Mississippi State Athletics
Football
Kelly Shipp, Associate Director/Communications
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…
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