SEC's leading tackler Nathaniel Watson announces 2023 Mississippi State football decision
STARKVILLE — It took just three words for Mississippi State football fans and defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to hear what they wanted regarding the status of redshirt senior linebacker Nathaniel Watson for next season.
"Run it back," Watson tweeted in a graphic featuring him holding the Golden Egg Trophy.
Watson, who redshirted his freshman season in 2018, is returning to use the final year of eligibility he has left after the extra COVID-19 season granted to athletes by the NCAA.
Watson, a native of Maplesville, Alabama, led Mississippi State with 108 tackles in 12 games this season, helping lead the Bulldogs to an 8-4 record and the No. 6 total defense in the SEC. He also leads the SEC in tackles.
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With 11 tackles for loss, Watson barely beat out linebacker Tyrus Wheat (10.5) for the team lead. Watson also collected an interception, a fumble recovery, five sacks and two quarterback hurries.
Watson finished second on the team last year in tackles behind fellow linebacker Jett Johnson. Johnson, a Tupelo native, has a similar decision left to make with one year of eligibility remaining.
Mississippi State will finish its season with a bowl game which will be announced Sunday.
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Nathaniel Watson: Mississippi State football LB makes 2023 decision
