How Will Transfer Running Back Blake Watson Fit as a Tiger?

About Watson

Blake Watson played his first three years of college ball with the Old Dominion Monarchs.

In 2021, he showed off his running abilities with 215 carries for 1,112 yards, and 8 touchdowns. In his junior year, Watson displayed his receiving prowess catching 37 passes for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 159 carries for 921 yards and 5 touchdowns.

My summer-scouting report on the new Tiger:

Watson is an incredibly instinctive and patient runner with the short area quickness to match.

He’s a versatile chess piece with the ability to run the ball between the tackles, swing out for a screen pass or even line up in the slot. His lack of size creates problems as a runner.

He doesn’t break as many tackles as you’d want due to his lack of strength and stature. His contact balance could be better and his size creates injury concerns.

Watson’s small frame (5-foot-9, 195 pounds) is not something we haven’t seen before at Memphis. His measurables are nearly identical to Tiger legend Kenneth Gainwell’s. Call it low-hanging fruit, but that was my pro comparison for Watson.

Can we expect Similar production from Watson as we got from Gainwell?

How Does He Project as a Tiger?

The biggest obstacle standing in Watson’s way to produce at an elite level is junior running back Jevyon Ducker.

Ducker had an unreal freshman campaign, posting 1,184 rushing yards. Unfortunately his play fell off and that number got cut in half.

When all is said and done, I project Watson to win the job and get the majority of the snap-share. Although Ducker is a talented player, I haven’t seen the same dynamic play that I see from Watson.

In college football, talent wins out more times than not. Expect a big season from Watson

How Does He Project as a Pro?

My summer scouting on Watson has him projected as a late-day 2 or early-day 3 pick though his draft position is very dependent on this fall. If all goes to plan, Watson will be a second option in a running back committee being given 8-15 touches per game. 

Watson’s dynamic playmaking abilities give him a very good chance to have a successful career not only as a Tiger, but as a pro as well.