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Safety can be a lonely spot. Back there all by yourself, the last line of defense, the likely scapegoat if anything goes wrong. It’s even worse if your other safety, the only other senior in the secondary, breaks his ankle in the first game. Tough duty. You’re now the only upperclassman in the secondary, trying to lead the backs and the whole defense while making sure your assignment’s covered.
Not really a tall order for Armani Watts.
#23 has had a stellar career at A&M, and this season has been no exception. It’s been a feather in his cap. That’s why he was named to the CBS Sports Midseason All-America Team this week.
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All he’s done this season is lead the SEC in interceptions (including the game-winner vs. Arkansas), pile up 7.5 tackles behind the line, force a fumble, recover one, and chip in the second-most tackles on the team. More than that, he’s the steady, dependable presence that a very young defense can rely on. There are some great upperclassmen on the defensive line, but they’re rotating in and out regularly. Watts is out there almost every snap making sure this resurgent defense is in order.
Kudos, Armani. Looking forward to another couple months of playmaking in the Aggie secondary.