Jordan Watkins has turned an otherwise ‘stressful’ job as a punt returner into some SEC hardware
Veteran Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins on Saturday returned the first punt for a touchdown for the Rebels in a decade.
He received some well-deserved hardware as a result.
The SEC on Monday named Watkins its Co-Special Teams Player of the week after he helped Ole Miss to a 73-7, season-opening win over Mercer.
It was the first career punt-return touchdown for Watkins, who began his college career at Louisville before transferring to Ole Miss two Decembers ago.
“It feels great,” Watkins said. “It’s a sign of relief. Being a punt returner is probably one of the most stressful (jobs) on the field. To turn something small like that into a big play is awesome. It feels great.”
Ole Miss last had such a touchdown in 2013.
Running back Jeff Scott took one back 73 yards against Texas. Watkins is one of just three FBS players with a punt-return touchdown so far this season.
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“He’s such a reliable player that you kind of always have to have on the field,” Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart said following the game. “He’s another leader out there with me. He helps line guys up quick, and when guys aren’t confident on their job, he knows it like that.
“It’s like having another coach out there and making great plays, which shows to him how much more comfortable he is in this offense. It is fun to see guys succeed.”
Watkins had 180 all-purpose yards in the win.
He also tied with fellow wide receiver Tre Harris for the team lead in receptions (6). He had the second-most receiving yards (111). Harris, in his first season at Ole Miss after transferring in from Louisiana Tech, had a school-record four touchdown receptions on his six catches. He finished with 133 yards.
It was the second 100-yard receiving game for Watkins as a Rebel.
Ole Miss (1-0) next heads to New Orleans to take on Tulane. Kickoff against the Green Wave is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
