Tre' Watson '14 Recruiting Profile

      I have completed my Senior season at Tampa Catholic High School.  I've committed to continue my education and play for the University of Illinois. I received  16 Scholarship offers.  Included are Illinois, Virginia, Temple, UCF, USF, Louisiana-Lafayette, FAU, FIU, Buffalo, UMASS, Eastern Michigan, MTSU, Georgia State, Furman, Holy Cross, and Air Force.  I've been selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl for the South Team, and as a NUC All-American.  I was also selected to the the FSHA 2013 Class 3A Preseason All-State Elite Team.  I had an extremely productive Junior Season on an 8-4 team that advanced to the Region Finals of the playoffs.  I led the Tampa Bay Area and was 4th in the State in sacks with 16.5.  I also finished 1st in the area and 4th in the State respectively in total tackles with 161.  During my Sophomore season I started on my 8-4 team at Tampa Bay Tech High School that won the 7A-8 District Championship, and made it to the second round of the playoffs.
        
        My biggest accomplishments include all A's in school my entire life( elementary, middle, and high school), 1st Team All-BCP(2012), 2nd Team All-Hillsborough County(2012), and Honorable mention All-State(2012).  I won 4 state and City championships in my youth league career, and I was nominated to attend Football University camp in 2010-2012, along with Junior Rank ProdigyCamp in 2012, Proving Ground Camp in 2013, Ignite Showcase in 2013, and NUC Five Star Showcase in 2013 where I received the LB MVP. For most of my football career I've played on both sides of the ball.  I've also been able to absorb the vast football knowledge imparted me by my many coaches and my father, who was fortunate enough to become a college All-American footall player and play in the NFL after being drafted in 1993.  From that tutelage and my on-field experience I've developed a relatively high Football IQ.

     During my Sophomore season I settled in as a starting linebacker and was able to utilize a great deal of my past experience and coaching to be successful while developing throughout the season.  During my Junior Season I also spent time at TE, while continuing as an OLB.  To any team I play on, I bring a coachable player who is all about the team goals. It doesn't satisfy me to have a great game if my team doesn't get the win.  I will bring the best out of all of my teammates as my goal is for everyone to achieve the goals we have worked hard to achieve.  On the field, I bring an aggressive, yet intelligent play style that adjusts to the game as it progresses.  I view myself as an adaptive player who learns more and more each time I step on the field.  When you correct my mistake, you can guarantee that it won't happen again.  I play football with determination and an attitude that no matter who is across from me, I can still perform.  I personally can say that when the stakes are higher, I tend to have great games where I perform at the highest level which is necessary to overcome the tough obstacle that I face.  I feel that any criticism that I have received during my life has helped me, and propels me to achieve my goals in life.  Since some of my combine stats tend to be average, I am sometimes overlooked as a player.  Although I know those stats must improve, I believe that my play on the field can change the mind of anybody who takes a look.  I realize at only 17 years old that there is much development and upside left for me.  Playing against many older players within a very competitive division in the traditionally strong football State of Florida gives me encouraging prospects of a bright future.  All the doubters and naysayers are my motivation to go beyond what I could ever have dreamed of and reach the highest level that I can.

        With my college decision I am willing to explore reciprocally beneficial options whereever they may be. I'm looking for a bigger university with strong academic and athletic support systems, that has one of the major's I plan to pursue. My desired degree path is in Pre-Dentistry/Orthodontic studies, or other undergraduate studies that prep for such in a post-graduate path. I also have high athletic goals because I've grown up playing football, and have seen success in the sport (both individually and as a member of a team).  My goal with football is to ultimately have an opportunity to play at the highest level possible (the NFL), so I strive to work my hardest during this formidable time of my life in order to perform well in high school sports and academics. That way I hope to continue in college and become a productive contributor to a successful program as the next step.  From my continued success in the classroom I plan to pursue a career in Orthodontics.  Because of my confidence in my upside that lies ahead, along with support from my family and my savior Jesus Christ I believe that my goals are realistic and attainable.  Holistically these are all part of my overall plan to cultivate and achieve consistent success in life.  I know that this college decision is a vital element to my future, and I'm looking forward to this exciting journey!