Nathaniel Watson Named Butkus Award Finalist

Football
November 21, 2023

Kelly Shipp, Associate Director/Communications

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State football’s Nathaniel Watson was named a finalist for the prestigious Butkus Award given annually to the nation’s best linebacker.

With the honor, Watson became the first Bulldog in program history to be named a finalist for the Butkus Award.

The Maplesville, Ala. native has had a stellar final campaign for Mississippi State. Watson’s 10 sacks on the year currently leads the SEC and ranks eighth nationally, while his 116 total tackles rank second in the SEC and 10th nationally.

On the year, Watson has produced five double-digit tackle games while leading the team in tackles six times. He has recorded at least a half sack in eight of the last nine games, the longest streak by a Bulldog since Montez Sweat did it in 2017. Watson has also recorded five QB hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a pair of pass breakups and an interception.

 

Throughout the season, Watson has earned numerous honors and been recognized for his play on the field. Most recently, Watson was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season after setting a career-high in tackles against Southern Miss. Against the Golden Eagles, Watson registered 21 tackles, the most by any SEC defender since 2017 and the most by any Bulldog since 2000. On top of his 21 tackles, Watson added a sack to give him 10 on the year and be one of…