Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Watson Named To ESPN All-American Team
December 15, 2023 | Football
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State football's Nathaniel Watson was named to the 2023 ESPN All-America team, the publication announced on Thursday.
Watson has earned numerous post season honors for the 2023 season as his list of awards list continues to grow. So far, Watson's list of accolades includes being named the AP SEC Defensive Player of the Year (first in program history), AP All-American (third team), AP All-SEC (first team), College Football Network All-American (second team), College Football Network All-SEC (first team) and ESPN All-American (second team).
A native of Maplesville, Ala., Watson concluded the regular season as the SEC leader in total tackles (137) and sacks (10.0). His 137 tackles currently rank sixth in the FBS, while his 10.0 sacks are tied for ninth.
In his final season at Mississippi State, Watson produced six double-digit tackle games while leading the team in tackles seven times. He recorded at least a half sack in eight of the last 10 games, the longest streak by a Bulldog since Montez Sweat in 2017. Watson also recorded seven QB hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a pair of pass breakups and an interception.
According to Pro Football Focus, Watson led all SEC linebackers with a tackle grade of 90.1 and total pressures with 35. His tackle grade of 90.1 also ranked second amongst all SEC defenders this past season.
Watson received multiple honors for his play on the field this past season. He was twice named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, earned Bednarik National Defensive Player of the Week honors and Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors, while also being named a finalist for the Butkus Award, becoming the first Bulldog ever to be named a finalist.
Watson concluded his collegiate career having played in 57 games with 379 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 21 sacks. He had two career interceptions, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His 379 career tackles rank seventh all-time at Mississippi State, while his 21 career sacks also rank seventh all-time at MSU.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
Watson has earned numerous post season honors for the 2023 season as his list of awards list continues to grow. So far, Watson's list of accolades includes being named the AP SEC Defensive Player of the Year (first in program history), AP All-American (third team), AP All-SEC (first team), College Football Network All-American (second team), College Football Network All-SEC (first team) and ESPN All-American (second team).
A native of Maplesville, Ala., Watson concluded the regular season as the SEC leader in total tackles (137) and sacks (10.0). His 137 tackles currently rank sixth in the FBS, while his 10.0 sacks are tied for ninth.
In his final season at Mississippi State, Watson produced six double-digit tackle games while leading the team in tackles seven times. He recorded at least a half sack in eight of the last 10 games, the longest streak by a Bulldog since Montez Sweat in 2017. Watson also recorded seven QB hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a pair of pass breakups and an interception.
According to Pro Football Focus, Watson led all SEC linebackers with a tackle grade of 90.1 and total pressures with 35. His tackle grade of 90.1 also ranked second amongst all SEC defenders this past season.
Watson received multiple honors for his play on the field this past season. He was twice named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, earned Bednarik National Defensive Player of the Week honors and Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors, while also being named a finalist for the Butkus Award, becoming the first Bulldog ever to be named a finalist.
Watson concluded his collegiate career having played in 57 games with 379 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 21 sacks. He had two career interceptions, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His 379 career tackles rank seventh all-time at Mississippi State, while his 21 career sacks also rank seventh all-time at MSU.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
– HailState.com –
Players Mentioned
LB
/ FootballFOOTBALL | Jeff Lebby 2026 Signing Day
Wednesday, December 03
FOOTBALL | Kamario Taylor Postgame vs. Ole Miss
Friday, November 28
FOOTBALL | Nic Mitchell Postgame vs. Ole Miss
Friday, November 28
FOOTBALL | Jeff Lebby Postgame vs. Ole Miss
Friday, November 28