Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson certainly made a name for himself during his college career, despite playing at a lower tier than most watch. Watson’s time in college was marked by his impressive athleticism, versatility, and contributions to a dominant football program that enjoyed unparalleled success in the FCS.
Where Did Christian Watson Go to College?
Watson joined North Dakota State in 2017, coming from Tampa, Florida. His path to Fargo was somewhat unconventional, as NDSU typically recruits heavily in the Midwest.
However, his combination of size (6’4″) and speed (reportedly running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash) made him an attractive target for the Bison coaching staff.
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Watson redshirted his freshman season in 2017, which was a common practice at NDSU to help players develop physically and mentally within their system. The Bison’s wide receiver corps at the time was strong, and this extra year allowed Watson to adjust to the demands of collegiate football.
Although he did not see game action during that season, it set the foundation for his breakout performance in the following years.
Watson’s redshirt freshman year in 2018 saw him begin to make a name for himself in the Bison offense. NDSU’s run-heavy, pro-style offense limited the number of opportunities for wide receivers to post gaudy numbers, but Watson found ways to impact the game when called upon.
During that season, Watson recorded just nine catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Though his receiving stats were modest, his big-play ability became evident, as he averaged an impressive 18.3 yards per catch.
Beyond his contributions as a receiver, Watson started to make a significant impact on special teams. His speed and agility were valuable assets in the return game, and he quickly became a dynamic threat on kick returns, giving the Bison an explosive option.
In 2018, NDSU continued its dominance at the FCS level, winning yet another national championship. Although Watson’s role was more supplementary at this point, his athleticism and versatility showed that he would be a key player in future seasons.
New Year, Same Watson, Only Bigger
The 2019 season marked Watson’s true breakout year at North Dakota State. As a redshirt sophomore, Watson emerged as the Bison’s top receiving option, despite the team’s continued emphasis on the running game.
He finished the season with 34 receptions for 732 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an incredible 21.5 yards per catch. This kind of efficiency in a run-heavy system showcased Watson’s ability to make the most of limited opportunities.
His role expanded beyond just catching passes.
He became one of the top kick returners in the FCS, returning 15 kicks for 335 yards, including a 94-yard touchdown return. His versatility as both a receiver and return specialist made him one of the most dangerous players in the FCS.
His ability to stretch the field vertically and take the top off defenses made him a perfect fit for NDSU’s play-action passing game, where his speed and size made him a matchup nightmare.
Watson’s big-play ability was on full display during NDSU’s playoff run, helping the Bison to another FCS national championship. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness made him a focal point of the offense, and his performance throughout the year earned him All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.
The next season was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the FCS moving its football season to the spring of 2021. Despite the unusual circumstances, Watson continued to excel. He tallied 19 catches for 442 yards and a touchdown in the shortened season, maintaining a high average of 23.3 yards per reception.
This consistency in stretching the field earned him another spot on the All-MVFC First Team.
By the 2021 season, Watson had firmly established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the FCS. He once again showcased his explosiveness, finishing his senior season with 43 receptions for 801 yards and seven touchdowns.
His 18.6 yards per catch underscored his deep-threat capability, and he added more to his resume with his continued contributions as a return specialist, adding to his growing reputation as a game-changer.
By the end of his college career, Watson had earned a reputation as one of the most exciting wide receiver prospects coming out of the FCS. His size, speed, and versatility made him a highly sought-after prospect heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.
Despite playing in the FCS, his performances against top competition and during postseason runs proved that he could compete at the highest levels.
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At the NFL Combine, Watson impressed scouts with his athletic testing, including a blazing 4.36-second 40-yard dash. His combination of size and speed, along with his collegiate production, helped him rise up draft boards, and the Green Bay Packers selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, signaling their belief in his potential as a future star in the league.
The rest is, as they say, history.
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