Bulldogs Star Defender Earns Major Accolades

Nathaniel Watson, or "Bookie," as most fans likely know him, earned major honors this week, including being named the Associated Press as the 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Watson was named an All-American by the College Football Network, but that's not one of the services the NCAA uses to determine unanimous and consensus status. Those five will starting being announced later this week. 

A six-year veteran of the program, Watson was a 3-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class and held offers from other SEC programs, including the likes of Ole Miss. He opted to choose maroon and white over powder blue, and arrived in Starkville as a true freshman that fall.

In his first season, Watson redshirted, seeing time in just two games. In year two, he found the field in seven contests, totaling two tackles, one of which for a loss. 

By year three, he was a regular contributor on the defense, appearing in eleven games and finishing the season with 39 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss. 

Watson was named a starter in his junior year and finished year second on the team in tackles with 84 to go along with 6.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. 

As a senior, he again finished as one of the team's leading tacklers, and even was one of the top tacklers in the entire SEC. 

Finally, in his last, and most impressive season, Watson put together a memorable campaign, totaling a whopping 137 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks. He led, not only his team, but the entire conference in both tackles and sacks. 

Watson recently announced his declaration for the NFL Draft on November 29 with a post on X, but will forever be remembered by fans as one of the best to ever suit up for the Bulldogs.