Mississippi State LB Nathaniel Watson Named To Lombardi Award Watch List
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel "Bookie" Watson has the potential to be one of the best players in the Southeastern Conference in 2023, and the preseason recognition he's received ahead of the season is plenty indicative of that.
The latest honor to come down the pipeline for Watson was being named to the 2023 Lombardi Award Watch List on Tuesday.
The award is presented annually to the player who exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi in addition to outstanding performance and ability. It typically is earned by the best lineman in college football, though linebackers setting up no further than 5 yards from the line of scrimmage also qualify.
Watson looks to build off a career season this year after he tallied 113 total tackles (51 solo), 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception in 2022.
He also finished second in the SEC in total tackles and third in tackles per game (8.69). Watson was tied for most sacks on the team with a total of six takedowns,.
Over 45 career appearances, he has recorded 242 tackles with 11 sacks. It's been a solid preseason for Watson, who has also been named to the Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award watch lists to go with a pair of preseason All-SEC honors.
He'll be a player to watch when the Bulldogs open up the schedule against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on Sept. 2.
