Billy Napier teases future big man touchdowns with Des Watson
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After his first career takeaway, the campaigning for a Desmond Watson goal-line package has begun.
In Florida’s 38-6 win Saturday, the sophomore defensive tackle ripped the ball away from South Carolina’s Jaheim Bell and returned it for 8 yards with an epic stiff arm on quarterback Spencer Rattler.
The 6-foot-5, 415-pound Watson looked like a natural running the ball, and for good reason.
“I used to play running back when I was little. I just got a little big, so I decided to go to D-line,” Watson said this week. “But yeah, when I was younger I used to play running back. You know, everybody wanted the bigger kid to be running back because no one wanted to tackle him. But I had the ball a couple of times.”
All the more reason for a big man touchdown in the future. Could we see Watson on a fullback dive at the goal line? Florida coach Billy has one condition.
“We have a running deal with the defensive players. If we’re Top 10 in the country in scoring defense and total defense, we’ll put defensive players on the goal line package,” Napier said. “Hopeful that day’s coming.”
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For what it’s worth, Watson isn’t lobbying for more carries — even if fans and media members are.
“My high school coach always used to ask me if I wanted a goal-line package. I always told him I’d rather play D-line. I’m not much of a spotlight guy, so I’d rather play D-line,” Watson said. “If it’s necessary then I’d do it (at UF), but I like my position.”
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In other Florida football news
- Billy Napier and the Gators react to players leaving the team mid-season to transfer.
- Billy Napier: “A lot of fun to come to work” right now with the new culture at Florida.
UF recruiting roundup
- Gators wide receiver commit Tyree Patterson schedules two in-state official visits.
- On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine is favoring UF for 2024 quarterback DJ Lagway.
- The Florida Gators are “sitting very high” for 2024 top-10 athlete Jalewis Solomon.
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