One of the benefits of going into a state that is so talent-rich in high school prospects is, often times, there will be one who falls through the cracks, is talented beyond the star rating, and could become an absolute steal at the position.
Coincidentally, the Wisconsin Badgers just landed a commitment from Austin, Texas (Westlake) running back Nakia Watson.
In a nutshell, Watson seems like a prospect the Badgers should have had to fight a lot harder to earn the commitment for. Sure, he’s a low three-star prospect according to 247Sports’ composite rankings and has an offer sheet that was Bowling Green, Harvard, Liberty, Nevada, Ohio, New Mexico, North Texas, and Sam Houston State, but Watson’s Hudl profile shows a running back who has plenty of traits to be a success on the next level.
The obvious trait that Watson shows is that he’s a running back unafraid of contact and with a very good initial burst through the seams. He gets past the first level, and there’s likely a first down coming. He’s also able to use his blockers well on outside runs and when there’s a need to make a cut. The hands are good, but Westlake really only used him for screens and as a safety valve.
A pretty impressive run here from Nakia Watson -- Wisconsin's latest commitment in its 2018 class. https://t.co/Px5voTTjeW #Badgers
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) June 10, 2017
In short, if John Settle wants an athletic power back to coach up, Watson is the perfect fit. And this is a reel from Division 6A in Texas, which shows that Watson ran for 1,622 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior facing some of the best that Texas had to offer.
The plan is that the Badgers will be done at running back. Obviously, June 10 is a long way from National Signing Day, but health-willing? The Badgers landed themselves a super sleeper with this commitment.