Los Alamitos (Calif.) defensive back Robert Watson is hoping to turn a big junior season into a bigger spring and senior year.
The 6-0, 180-pound Watson was one of the anchors for the Griffins’ secondary a year ago, and despite the offense getting most of the attention, Watson played a major role deep.
Now he’s hoping that lands him some more interest from colleges.
“I’ve been hearing the most from Stanford and Northwestern, they’re showing the most interest right now,” said Watson. “Arizona, UNLV and Nebraska are showing interest with letters. I’m very interested in Cal. I really would like to go to Cal. I also am interested in Washington, Boise State and Texas A&M and UCLA.”
Watson said that one team is standing out for him.
“ Stanford would have to be number one for me,” said Watson. “Then I like Northwestern, Arizona, Cal and then UCLA. Stanford and Northwestern, they’re liking me a lot, so at least by the season I’d like to go check them out. Stanford asked me to come to their camp, and so did Northwestern and so did Arizona.”
Watson said that Boise State is another school he’d like to check out, and the Griffins have had a good history with the Broncos.
“My old teammate Darren Koonce is up there and then of course, Jeremy Childs and Orlando Skandrick played there,” said Watson.
Watson has the versatility to play either spot in the secondary.
“Some schools are looking at me as a corner, but some schools are looking at me as a strong safety,” said Watson.
Watson said a few factors will be considered in his decision.
“First of all, the education,” said Watson. “Then the skill of the football team. It really doesn’t matter where the school is at. I like the West Coast, but if a school likes me on the East Coast, I’d head back there.”
Watson isn’t rushing a decision either.
“I kind of want to go through the process, take some visits,” said Watson.
As a junior, Watson had a team-leading 70 tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles and two picks.
Academically, he has a 3.8 GPA and will take the SAT next month.