Mississippi State LB Nathaniel Watson Named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week

The veteran Bulldogs linebacker was recognized for his efforts in the 7-3 victory over Arkansas.

Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson Named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Arkansas in a 7-3 victory last Saturday.

The sixth-year senior put up the best defensive performance of the season for the Bulldogs, where he recorded a season-high 14 tackles (nine assisted and five solo) along with two sacks in the low-scoring contest.

Through seven games this season, Watson has become one of the best players on the Bulldogs' defense with 71 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, ranking second in the SEC in total tackles and sacks (7.5) and sixth in tackles for loss (8.5). He also leads the conference in fumbles recovered (2).

Along with these achievements, Watson also recorded his 300th career tackle against Arkansas on Saturday, helping his team hold off the Razorbacks offense en route to being named Co-Defensive Player of the Week for the conference.

Mississippi State LB Nathaniel Watson.

Watson shares this week's award with Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who recorded a career-high 10 tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown in the Crimson Tide's 34-20 comeback win against Tennessee.

Watson is the third Mississippi State player to be named to SEC Player of the Week honors this season, joining kicker Kyle Ferrie, who was named Co-Freshman of the Week after the win against Southeastern Louisiana in Week 1, and Jett Johnson, who earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors after their win against Arizona in Week 2.

Watson will be a key player to watch on Mississippi State's defense when the Bulldogs travel to play Auburn this Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2:30 PM CT. The game will be aired on SEC Network.