For anyone who attended Byrnes’ 30-10 win over T.L. Hanna to open the season, they heard Nic Watson’s name over the speakers plenty.
Before that game, those people might not have known exactly who Nic Watson was. And that’s perfectly okay.
Not too long ago, Watson didn’t know who he was, either.
“I feel like this past year, I’ve grown a lot as a person,” said Watson. “I’ve tried really, really hard to better myself.”
Watson finished with three receptions for 83 yards in the Rebels’ 30-10 win vs. T.L. Hanna to begin the year. He was the player who got open early and helped the Byrnes offense get rolling in the first half.
His first reception — a 45-yard deep ball down the right sideline — ignited the Byrnes crowd and started the drive that led to the first touchdown ever scored at the new Nixon Field.
“I just had a vision. When the ball got snapped, and I saw [Byrnes QB Caine Rogers] throw the ball towards me, I knew I had to go make a play on it,” said Watson. “I knew if I could make a play on that ball, it would be huge for our team to get in scoring range to go score that first touchdown.”
“Nic’s one of our best playmakers,” said head coach Reggie Shaw. “He’s fast, he’s physical, he can block well. He’s the total package at receiver.”
Watson was a major bright spot on offense in the Rebel win.
But he was almost never on the field for the game.
Last year was a year of confusion for Watson, as the now-junior WR navigated the challenges of maintaining academics, balancing two sports (Watson is also a track star for Byrnes), and balancing the right social circles.
At times, it became seemingly more than Watson could handle. He nearly had to give up football as he learned to put priorities in order.
“I used to be a bad kid, kind of,” said Watson. “I wasn’t making all the best choices. My grades were slipping and I was struggling [in my social life]… it was hard.”
It wasn’t until Watson had a conversation with his father that reality set in. If he didn’t get on the right path, his football career was heading toward life support.
“I had so many coaches and parents telling me they believed in me,” said Watson. “But when my dad sat me down and talked to me, that’s when it actually clicked. He said I’ve got to stop getting in trouble, that I’ve got to start making better grades. I finally listened.”
Now, Watson’s back on the straight and narrow. His grades? They’re excellent. He’s killing it in the classroom.
He’s making great decisions on the field, but now, off the field? He’s making even better ones.
It’s all back steady for Watson, whose coaches couldn’t be prouder of the young man he’s becoming.
“I am so, so proud of him,” said Shaw of Watson. “So proud of his development as a person. Despite the ups and downs, he’s bought into what he’s supposed to be doing. To see him go out, get his life straightened, and produce on the field like that, you’re just so happy for that kid.”
“Nic’s realized just how powerful football can be when used as an outlet,” said Byrnes wide receiver coach Jamauri Davis. “We’ve always known what he can do for us on Friday nights. It was just about him handling that Monday through Thursday. And he’s doing great with it.”
Now, Watson’s found himself. After a road that perhaps had more bumps than expected, Watson realizes the player and person he can be.
He knows exactly who he is now.
And by the end of the season, he wants to make sure everyone else does, too.
“I want to leave a statement this year. I want everyone to remember my name.”
