Projecting the Future: Quenshaun Watson

by Brad Shepard on Jan 15, 2012 5:00 PM EST in Tennessee Volunteers Recruiting

QUENSHAUN WATSON, 5-9, 175 RB ATHENS, GA. [CLARKE CENTRAL HS]

Ratings: Rivals 3* running back, Scout 3* No. 105 running back, ESPN 3* No. 51 running back, 247 3*. Chose UT over Indiana.

STRENGTHS: Elite-level speed the Vols don't have much of, Watson runs in the 4.4s and showed an actual ability to carry the load and run some between the tackles as a high school senior. He isn't shy to touch the ball 20-plus times a game, and though UT probably won't ever need Watson to do that, showing that he can is a high mark on his toughness. I think a strength is UT coaches obviously have seen him a lot. He has camped in Knoxville, and coaches also saw some of his games while scouting current Vol Alan Posey.

NEEDS WORK: He could be bulkier, and a college weight program would help him to be able to sustain durability in the SEC. Obviously, there weren't many suitors for him which makes you wonder if he's a bit under the radar. Any bulk would likely worry the Vols, who don't want him to lose a step and offered him because he's the type of player not currently on the roster. Being able to run off-tackle and stretch plays are something UT has been missing and an element Watson could give if he learns the offense.

CREDENTIALS: After an awesome junior season that saw him run for 1,388 yards and 23 touchdowns, Watson improved on that as a senior, finishing with 1,760 yards and 26 scores. Blazing fast, he owns a 10.58 in the 100 meter and will compete for state titles in the 100 and 200 meter races as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays. He also averaged more than 8 ypc in high school and proved he can tote the rock numerous times throughout the game without getting injured.

OPTIMISTIC CEILING: Some might view Watson as a questionable take given his slim offer sheet, but Rivals confessed to not having any film on him and that's why he wasn't ranked until after his senior season when he was awarded three stars. I am not one of those people. Watson offers what the Vols don't have -- speed. He and Alton Howard are blazers, and Daniel Gray is, too. He was also a kick and punt returner in high school, and he has the jitterbug-quick cutting ability that the Vols haven't had in years. He isn't quite as big, but his burst reminds me of Charlie Garner, and I think he'll be a home-run player for the Vols who, while he won't need to be an every-down back, can be a game-changer with his speed.

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

One thing I always worry about with guys tagged with the "game-changer" label:

how often they’re used. Game-changers won’t change a game if they only see the field for 10 snaps a game and only get 5 touches. (This is more of a knock on the label than how Watson’s going to be used.)

Formerly 'snail. You get used to it after a while.

by Chris Pendley on Jan 16, 2012 8:22 AM EST reply actions

but at the same time

if they see the field 30 snaps a game, so often they get injured.

It's Great! To be! A Tennessee Vol!

by falconnuke on Jan 16, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

Offenses are using the change of pace back more than ever

Put 10-15 lbs on this guy and he could be a pretty tough speedster. The kind you like to get in space that can break an open field tackle and out run LBs and safeties.

by phil g on Jan 16, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

they use the change of pace back

But they really have like, 2 or 3 “change of pace” backs that move around the field in 2 or 3 different positions.

It's Great! To be! A Tennessee Vol!

by falconnuke on Jan 16, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

Well, sure.

But you have more opportunities to break a game open if you get more touches. (see: why I’m annoyed about using any type of RB-direct-snap formation less than 5 times a game.)

Formerly 'snail. You get used to it after a while.

by Chris Pendley on Jan 16, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

I work out with his math teacher at Clark Central

He gave Quenshawn high compliments. Praised him as a good, smart kid who’s also a very good and somewhat underated football player. He’s a favorite to win some events at the Georgia state track championships. He wasn’t what events he was competing in.

by phil g on Jan 16, 2012 10:14 AM EST reply actions

I don't think Travis Stephens ever sniffed 200 lbs and he did all right

by phil g on Jan 16, 2012 12:35 PM EST reply actions

I know Stephens was a little bit undersized

But was he really under 200 lbs?? Thats hard to believe! However Travis Stephens is still my favorite UT Back. He followed up some really good backs and it was projected UT would have a down year from that position and low and behold he put up some big numbers in some big games! I still enjoy watching clips of some of his TD runs.

As for Watson, I think he could be a real asset to the team and FL and LSU have had smaller fast backs that have thrived in the right situation. I think with with the other backs already on the roster having another niche player is always an asset. Especially one that has 4.4 speed!

by docrok on Jan 16, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions