Watson and Johnson Earn Associated Press All-SEC Honors

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State football's Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson earned Associated Press All-SEC honors, the publication announced on Monday. Watson was named a First Team All-SEC performer, while Johnson was named a Second Team All-SEC honoree.

It's been a busy awards season for Watson, who has already been named an All-American by the College Football Network and the AP SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Watson earned these honors after a stellar season saw him conclude the regular season as the SEC leader in both tackles (137) and sacks (10).

On the year, 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 did it in 2017. Watson also recorded seven QB hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a pair of pass breakups and an interception.

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.

Johnson earned AP All-SEC honors after an equally impressive final season at Mississippi State. On the year, Johnson set career-highs in tackles (130), sacks (6), interceptions (3) and forced fumbles (2) while also tying his career-high in pass breakups (4).

At the conclusion of the regular season, Johnson ranked second in the SEC in total tackles and was one of just three players to have over 100 tackles on the year. He also ranked 11th in sacks. On the national stage, his 130 tackles rank 11th across the FBS.

Johnson ended his Mississippi State career with 336 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. His 336 career tackles rank 11th all-time at State.

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– HailState.com –

Mississippi State University Athletics

Watson and Johnson Earn Associated Press All-SEC Honors

Players Mentioned

Jett Johnson

Nathaniel Watson

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