When there’s a Watts, there is a way for Notre Dame football heading into the 2024 season
The top two players on the list for Notre Dame shouldn’t be much of a surprise. The major question is who comes out on top. Coming in at No. 2 is star safety Xavier Watts, who is coming off of an All-American campaign in 2023. Despite only playing a handful of games at safety in […]
The top two players on the list for Notre Dame shouldn’t be much of a surprise. The major question is who comes out on top. Coming in at No. 2 is star safety Xavier Watts, who is coming off of an All-American campaign in 2023.
Despite only playing a handful of games at safety in 2022, expectations were extremely high for Watts going into the 2023 season. Watts made those lofty expectations look very smart this past year. He ended that campaign tying for the nation lead with seven interceptions. The Nebraska native also recorded 52 total tackles, three tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a defensive touchdown.
Saying that Watts stuffed the stat sheet last season would be a massive understatement. Whenever Notre Dame needed a big play defensively, it felt like Watts was the one making it. His game against undefeated USC last season was Watts’ finest moment.
There was a big decision looming for Watts, who had the opportunity to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. With mid round grades floating out there, Watts opted to return for his final year this fall. The hope is that he puts together a tremendous campaign, help the Irish win a lot of football games, and improve that draft stock.
Nobody should expect Watts to be more productive in 2024 than he was the year prior. Opposing offenses will be keying on him a lot more, and avoiding as much as they can. The key for Watts is to improve a bit as a tackler, make plays when they come to him, and be the best possible leader that he can on the back end.
Notre Dame will be depending on No. 0 a lot this season. Watts must make the big plays when it matters most. His 2023 season gave ton confidence that you can depend on him in those moments.
