T.J. Watkins bio
9/25/2007 4:24:00 AM | General
Enters his senior year with a spot on the two-deep and challenging to regain his starting role... JUNIOR (2006): Played in all 11 games and started 10... recorded 34 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss... had a tackle in all but one game... season-high six stops against Wofford and Central Arkansas... registered 2.5 TFL in the Wofford contest... five tackles in the Appalachian State game... four tackles on two occasions: North Dakota State and Furman... three solo tackles, including one for a loss, at Western Carolina... two stops against Elon and The Citadel... one tackle in the opener against Central Connecticut State and at Chattanooga... two quarterback hurries at Western, one versus Elon... recorded three tackles during the 2006 Blue-White game... SOPHOMORE (2005): Missed the first two games of the campaign, making a remarkable comeback well ahead of schedule from an ACL injury... played against Wofford, Chattanooga, Elon, Western Carolina, Appalachian State, The Citadel, South Dakota State, Morehead State and the playoff game at Texas State... recorded career-high three tackles against Citadel... two stops versus Chattanooga, Wofford, App State and Morehead... both his stops against MSU were sacks and also broke up a pass that game... was sidelined during the spring after an ACL injury in a scrimmage... REDSHIRT-FRESHMAN (2004): Played in 11 games off the bench... recorded a tackle in the 54-7 win over Appalachian State... played important role on special teams... enjoyed strong spring season, capping efforts with a three-stop performance during the Blue-White game... totaled a team-high two tackles for lost yardage (-4 yards)... FRESHMAN (2003): Redshirted... signed with Eagle program in February 2003... contributed greatly to GSU efforts as a visible scout team leader... HIGH SCHOOL: A three-sport athlete for Heard County HS... won four football letters and played key role in the turnaround of a Braves program which recorded a 10-2 mark and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs in 2002 after an 0-11 campaign in 2001 and a 1-11 ledger in 2000... credited with a total of 53 tackles (34 solo, 19 assists) as a senior team captain... established a new school record with 22 tackles for loss while also contributing with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four quarterback “hurries” in 2002... three-time First Team all-region selection as a two-way starter (defensive end, tight end)... selected as HCHS's ?Lineman of the Year' by teammates... recorded 62 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a junior, 75 stops and 3.0 sacks as a sophomore and 83 tackles and 5.0 sacks as a freshman... finished illustrious career with 273 tackles and 15 quarterback drops... chosen as MVP of basketball team in 2001-2002 and finished prep career with over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds... earned track letters as a region champion discus thrower (fourth in state)... excelled in the classroom as well, earning inclusion on the “A Honor Roll” as a senior and the “B Honor Roll” as a freshman and sophomore... graduated with a 3.50 grade point average... PERSONAL: Full name is Thomas Jarrod Watkins... born March 8, 1984 in LaGrange, Georgia... nicknamed “Big Country” by football staff and players... No. 1 sports highlight was beating top-ranked Furman last year... his mom, dad and sister have been a major influence, “My mom and sister passed away when I was in eighth grade and my father took care of my brother and I alone”... most admires his high school coaching staff, “They took a team that won one game in two years to winning 10 games my senior year”... enjoys beating his teammates in NCAA Football and spending time with his fiancée Chablis Rachel... favorite professional team is Atlanta Falcons... favorite sports hero is Jackie Robinson while his father is his favorite non-sports hero... if he could attend any sporting event it would be the I-FCS National Championship game in Chattanooga, being on the field... tabbed Furman as the best place to play on the road... if he could play a musical instrument it would be the drums... before a game he prays and listens to Jeezy... has interesting midnight snack diet of fruit and water... picks Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as historical figure he'd most like to spend a day with... first exposure to football came through the local recreation department but was quickly banned from competition against his age group because he exceeded the weight limit... MAJOR: Logistics/Materials Management
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