Editor's note: this feature appeared in the UTSA digital game program for the home opener vs. Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 19 at the Alamodome. For the complete game program, visit, www.goUTSA.com/Program.
By Julia Maenius, UTSA Athletics Communications
SAN ANTONIO -- UTSA senior tight end Leroy Watson is now first in his position on the depth chart after working his way up to the top following his transfer from Hutchinson Community College in 2019. After seeing action in all 12 games last fall, Watson is one of 21 seniors to lead the Roadrunners into a season with new protocols and a new coaching staff, and his leadership shines on and off the field.
Majoring in multidisciplinary studies, Watson plans to pursue a career in teaching or counseling if his professional avenue is not successful following his graduation.
"After graduation, depending on if the league works out, I plan on pursuing that avenue, but if not, I plan on becoming a teaching assistant here at UTSA," Watson said.
Watson has been seeing success on the field since his junior year of high school. The Snellville, Ga., native was a two-way player as a tight end and defensive end at Shiloh High School.
"I played a lot of sports growing up, but football just resonated with me the most," Watson said. "I want to get my degree and I have aspirations of going into the league, so I use the sport as an avenue."
Beginning his collegiate career at Hutchinson, Watson totaled 123 yards, one touchdown and 12 receptions in his two years for the Blue Dragons.
"After being at Hutchinson, I had a few options coming out, but I liked the environment here," Watson said. "I realized how good this football program could be and I wanted to be a part of the first to make it the explosive program that it should be."
Watson was considered as one of the top tight ends in the NJCAA after helping lead the Blue Dragons to a No. 8 national ranking following a Salt City Bowl win against Navarro College.
"Just like at Hutch, I was a big leader on the football field and off," Watson said. "Translating that over and bringing a winning culture to UTSA and being able to lead the people here because it was a younger group, I am that older guy to show the younger kids what to do and how to strive and work for it. I make sure that we all stay focused on the goal ahead and stay working while making sure our focus is intact at all times. Trying to keep us rounded in our culture, our five pillars, we want to make sure that everybody is extremely bought into Coach Traylor's culture and see that it is successful."
Watson's Blue Dragons signing class included nine Power 5 signees, 13 FBS transfers and nine FCS, NAIA and Division II players.
"Fortunately, playing at Hutchinson, we played and had a lot of D-1 prospects, so the competition level was pretty similar," Watson said. "We played against the top players in almost every position in junior college, so it was pretty easy to make the transition."
Before each game, Watson listens to music to prepare him for competition. He has one playlist created for pre and post-game time.
"I have the same playlist that I listen to on every bus ride and after almost every game," Watson said. "It is a three-song playlist, and it is all gospel music."
Aside from football, Watson enjoys both listening to and playing music. He has been playing the piano since the age of six and sings for his church choir, pulling musical inspiration from musician and actor Jamie Foxx. Watson also opened a kitchen during the spring months, cooking and selling meals to teammates, coaches and the UTSA community.
"I played piano for my church growing up, my high school choir and then certain events like weddings, funerals, birthdays, wherever I am needed," Watson said. "My favorite song to play is Heaven by Jamie Foxx. I wanted to be like him growing up. I studied almost everything he did, learned every song he knows and what he has ever done."
Beginning his last collegiate season, Watson credits his leadership accomplishments as most valuable.
"This year, getting voted onto the Leadership Council and being voted (to wear) number four by my teammates showed how much respect they have for me," Watson said. "It is very important that we are aware of how much we really want to play, and for us, it is just comradery, constant thinking and protecting our teammates more so than any other year because now besides injuries, we have coronavirus to deal with. We have certain restrictions to protect not just you but your teammates."
Watson says his goal for the season is to win and that started off on the right foot with a 51-48 double-overtime victory over Texas State last Saturday. Even with new head coach Jeff Traylor and his coaching staff in their first year with the program, the transition has not been a challenge for the players.
"It has been seamless," Watson said. "The coaches have all made it very easy for us to switch over and try to merge the offenses together and use it to the best of our abilities. They have taught us how to learn it and to see it in the best light."
Reflecting on his career as a whole, Watson focuses on the relationships and lessons he has learned throughout his six years on the field.
"It is a tremendous blessing," Watson said. "It has given me a lot of avenues. I have met a lot of great people in my life, and I have made some of my best friends all through football."
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