Watson ready to step up for Spartans secondary
Steve Grinczel of MLive.com writes that after playing in 31 games since 2002, Ashton Watson’s turn to be a leader has arrived. The senior defensive back from Ohio has not lived up to All-American expectations in his previous three years at MSU, and very recently was stuck behind converted running back Jaren Hayes on the depth chart.
“I didn’t know if was coming or going, but by the grace of God I’m still here and having fun and playing good,” Watson said of the last three seasons. “The main thing is maturity — going out there and believing in yourself, believing in the scheme, and going out there and reacting to what you see.”
Although Watson was a cocksure prep All-American from Huber Heights (Ohio) High School, his fragile confidence as a Spartan led to errors in judgment, both on the field and with his conditioning.
“Two years ago, I might have gone down the hole if I got beat (by a receiver),” Watson said. “Or I’d go into a shell. You’ve got to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given and at times I didn’t do that.”