The postseason honors continue to pour in for Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson.
After being named the Associated Press Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a College Football Network second-team all-American on Monday, the Bulldogs’ co-captain earned a spot on the All-SEC Coaches’ First Team on Tuesday. He is the only MSU player to make either the first or second team as voted on by the conference coaches.
Watson spent six seasons with the Bulldogs, playing in just two games and redshirting as a freshman in 2018. He started three games in 2020 before becoming a full-time starter the following year, and he finished second in the SEC to teammate Jett Johnson in tackles in 2022.
The Maplesville, Ala., product went out with a flourish in his final season, leading the conference in both tackles (137) and sacks (10) to go along with an interception, seven quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was twice named SEC Defensive Player of the Week and finished his collegiate career fourth all-time in tackles in conference history.
Watson declared for the NFL Draft on Nov. 30, having played for four head coaches and three defensive coordinators during his time in Starkville. Johnson, who has also declared for the draft and finished second in the SEC this year with 130 tackles, joined Watson as an AP all-conference honoree by earning a spot on the second team.
The two linebackers both made College Football Network’s all-SEC First Team, with offensive linemen Percy Lewis and Kameron Jones and defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy earning honorable mentions.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion