Recruiting: Diving Deeper Into The Game Of Notre Dame Commit Xavier Watts
Notre Dame wanted, and needed, playmakers within this class. Omaha (Neb.) Burke athlete Xavier Watts fits the bill. Speed, quickness and short-space suddenness allow him to make plays even when the defense knows he’s the primary target. I will go over the three things I enjoy about Watts one-by-one..
ROUTE RUNNING
If you want a player that utilizes precision within his routes, Watts would be your man. The vast majority of young receivers continually round off their routes, don’t disguise their routes well enough based on how they come off the line of scrimmage, and simply place themselves – and their quarterback – in a bad position to make receptions. Watts is more advanced than most young wide receivers.
While his route running will need to continue to evolve, Watts makes sharper cuts than most young wide receivers. It’s only going to improve once he reaches Notre Dame. More on-field training, more film work and especially weight room improvements will make him more explosive than he already became.
Look for Watts to be a player that Notre Dame utilizes with double moves, such as stop-and-go, because he can separate quickly from defenders with the way he stops and starts. After a year in the weight room, look out. His burst and change of direction will only get better.
FRAME
Although he has added good weight this season, Watts is thin, but quick and athletic. Stronger than one might believe, Watts does well with contested passes and 50-50 balls. It may be a few seasons before Watts reaches his full physical potential, but he should be above 190-pounds by the time he plays a snap of his sophomore season; he could even be pushing 200-pounds.
Most importantly, he’ll continue to improve his strength and quickness. Watts’ speed will soon standout more. With even better route running from adding strength to his frame, Watts will be able to blow by defenders. His frame has a lot of upside.
ACCELERATION
When discussing acceleration after the catch, it may be viewed from many different perspectives. Right now, Watts pulls away due in large part to using his angles properly and setting up defenders. These factors make him a threat to score during a screen, passes over the middle (dig route) or catch deep posts and go routes. The strength training will only aid him in these areas.
He’s a kid with an extremely high amount of upside. For Notre Dame’s offense, Watts should be an “X” receiver, or the outside receiver to the wide side of the field. He could play slot as well. He’s versatile and agile enough to do either, honestly.
Overall, I just love the way Watts explodes out his breaks. He’s far from a finished product, yes, but he’s capable of being an elite wide receiver. Notre Dame will be getting a player that can provide explosive plays in different ways with young Mr. Watts. The Irish were very fortunate land him.