Nebraska gets their 2023 quarterback commit from William Watson
We are still in February and Nebraska has landed their quarterback commitment in William Watson from Springfield (Mass.) Springfield Central.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound signal caller became the fifth commitment to NU's Class of 2023. He chose the Huskers over other scholarship offers from Michigan, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arizona, Boston College and UMass
Watson attended the Cornhuskers' Junior Day in late January and it was while he was in Lincoln that he received his Nebraska offer.
The relationship he developed with new Cornhusker offensive coordinator Mark Whipple over the past few years proved pivotal in Watson's college decision. Their connection goes all the way back to when Watson was in junior high.
"First, when I came to Lincoln, I felt like I was back in Springfield, Massachusetts so that played a big role," Watson stated as to why he chose the Huskers.
"I knew Coach Whipple because we had a previous relationship coming from Pitt. I actually grew up with him working camps. I would go over to UMass every day and work with him. We built that relationship since about sixth grade and now we're here. That was the guy to go with. It was just the right feeling."
There were other aspects of Nebraska's program that stood out to him during his January Junior Day visit to Lincoln.
"From seeing what I've seen on TV, no matter what, Nebraska as a whole seems like one big family," Watson elaborated. "The fans are behind you win or lose. They're at every game.
"I could tell the team never quit on each other. They just tried to figure out how to win, and I think they're going to do that this year with Whipple's offense. Coach (Scott) Frost, I mean, he's a great guy. He's very down to earth and I like his energy, too. He's fired-up all the time and that's somebody I want to play for."
The three-star Watson was named the MaxPreps Massachusetts football Player of the Year after the 2021 season.
In 12 games as a junior, Watson led the Golden Eagles of Springfield Central (10-2) to a third consecutive state championship with a 22-15 win over Central Catholic for the Division 1 title.
As a true freshman starter at quarterback, Watson threw for 2,378 yards and 31 touchdowns while rushing for 334 yards and seven more scores. His sophomore season was almost entirely wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They played just three games in 2020, all victories.
In 2021, Watson had over 2,800 total yards passing and rushing with 31 combined touchdowns.
"I plan on enrolling early," Watson shared. "I want to get up there in January and try to compete during spring ball."
Watson told HOL that he plans to be in attendance at Nebraska's Red-White spring game in April.
