Interview: 4-Star 2023 Massachusetts QB William “Pop” Watson Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College football programs took notice of Class of 2023 quarterback William “Pop” Watson during the 2019 season and are now going all in on him. The 6-0, 180-pound, four-star (QB Hit List) dual-threat dazzled as a freshman throwing for 2,378 yards with 31 touchdowns against just four picks while rushing for 334 yards off 55 carries with seven scores last season. His Springfield Central squad has been limited to one game so far this spring against Massachusetts competition, but in the opener he lit them up for 207 yards on 18 completions with two scores and rushed 11 times for 56 more yards with another touchdown posted.
With seven offers down covering the ACC, SEC, and Pac-12, Watson updates us on his 2020 season and recruiting process.
Interview
William, the Eagles got one game in so far, what is the status on the 2020 season this spring in Massachusetts?
We are trying to get everything we can out of it, but we are not getting a lot of games this season. We are trying to get film out to coaches. There are kids on their last year missing games. We are just trying to get film out. We play Saturday, after that there are only two more games left and that is it.
I feel for you guys. Ramping up for the season, what were you working on with your mechanics?
Getting my hips into the ball more. I realized I was throwing off my backfoot. Doing that on deep throws was limiting my deep ball, and that is from leaning back. On intermediate and short throws, I have been on point. With my deep ball, I can get more into it if I step into it.
What were you doing to increase your arm strength?
I was throwing twice a day. In the morning I was throwing for a couple of hours, I would take a break and then go back at it that night. In the morning when I was working out, I was doing a lot of arms; bench, incline, and stuff like that.
How did you expand your knowledge and understanding of the game over the offseason?
I was watching college games with my father. We’d break those games down preparing for the future. After college, breaking down high school games is really easy. Watching my film, there was a lot of easy stuff I missed. We had more talent last year than others which made it easier.
What offensive set are the Eagles running this season?
We are still in the Spread offense.
In the opener, you threw for 207 yards with two scores and rushed for 56 with a trip into the end zone. How did it feel to back on the field working over Massachusetts defenses?
That feeling was, I missed it. I was almost ready to cry out of excitement. I felt on top of the world honestly.
What coverages did you see in Game 1?
I was seeing Cover 4, some 3 and 2. It all depended on the down and distance. They were heavy on Cover 4.
The work is always ongoing. After the big outing, what did you go back to work on in practice?
Getting the ball out as fast I can. I do that well and I understand defenses. I have to keep getting it out fast.
Looking ahead, are there any national and/or camps you may go to this spring or summer?
Yes, I am looking forward to going to the ones that have offered and to the ones recruiting me.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are now showing interest?
Penn State, Ohio State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Nebraska, Princeton, and Dartmouth are all showing interest. All are great schools.
How many offers do you have now?
I have seven.
Which programs were the last two to offer?
Oregon and Arizona.
Watson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Boston College, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee
When the dead period is over this summer, are there any programs you may go visit?
Yes, I would like to go to every school. To work that hard and to see that in me to offer, I highly appreciate it. I’d like to visit every school that has offered me.
William, it is always great catching up with you. Wishing you and the team success the rest of the season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Watson family; William Watson