Xavier Watts, Notre Dame’s senior safety, has garnered attention this season for his exceptional ball-hawking abilities. Among the best defensive backs in the country and a key cog in the Irish’s stout defense, Watts leads the nation in interceptions this year with seven. Through his eye-catching play, Watts is stamping himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Playing in all 13 games at safety for the Irish last season, Watts tipped his hand as a junior. Starting the final four games of the season, Watts finished the year with 39 tackles, 24 solo. He added tackles for loss in back-to-back games, including a nine-yard sack against Boston College, and he added three pass breakups during the season.
Xavier Watts Emerges as Key X-Factor for the Irish
Building on the promise he flashed as a junior, Watts is enjoying a breakout senior season. Watts secured his first career interception in the fourth quarter of Notre Dame’s win over North Carolina State in early September. The pick set up an Irish score in a game that Watts finished with three tackles, one solo. He shined in the victory over Duke later that month. He intercepted his second pass of the season and returned it 12 yards late in the first quarter to set up a field goal. Against the Blue Devils, he recorded eight tackles, two solo, and added a half tackle for a loss.
In the Irish’s dominating win over USC on Oct. 14, Watts made his presence felt on multiple fronts. Watts had a career-high two interceptions for a combined 61 return yards, both times setting the Irish up deep in USC territory. He also returned a fumble for 16 yards for a touchdown and finished the game with seven total tackles, six solo. He also forced a fumble and added a pass breakup. For this exemplary performance, Watts earned honors as the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week. Additional noteworthy honors included being named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy National Player of the Week. And he was a LOTT Impact Trophy Player of the Week award finalist.
Electrifying Performance Against Pittsburgh
In the victory over Pittsburgh on Oct. 28, Watts once again was a force to be reckoned with. He finished that game with two interceptions and 31 return yards. He added three solo tackles, one for a loss, and again was named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy National Player of the Week. With his team-leading fifth and sixth interceptions, Watts became the first Irish player with multiple interceptions in consecutive games in 27 years.
Following the Pittsburgh game, Irish head coach Marcus Freeman said of Watts, “The biggest thing is the ability to make the play when you’re in position. “See a lot of guys on our team and other teams that are in a position to make a play, but they don’t make the play. Xavier is—one, you have to be in position to make the play, but two, you got to make the play. That’s what he’s doing.
“It’s a result of a lot of different things,” Freeman added. “The pressure our guys are getting upfront. The different looks that coach (Al) Golden is doing defensively to try to confuse the offense. I think that’s an outcome of a lot of different things. But again, you have to make the play when you’re in that position, and he’s done that.”
Finishing Strong
In last week’s loss at Clemson, Watts recorded his seventh interception of the season. It was his fifth in the last three games. The 33-yard interception return set up a touchdown. He concluded the game with three tackles, all solo. For the year, Watts boasts 26 solo tackles, and one forced fumble, and leads the country in interceptions with seven.
The Notre Dame offense has struggled to find its rhythm this season. But Watts and the defense have done their part to keep the Irish competitive against top-ranked teams. Judging by his performances this year, Watts can be counted on to continue playing a positive role for the Irish. Whether or not the Irish offense can rally to close out the season, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Xavier Watts is making a significant impact. His play has ensured that the NFL recognizes his legitimacy as a prospect for the next level.
