Nick Watkins Focused On LSU, Not Future

Notre Dame cornerback Nick Watkins battled tendonitis through the last half of the season as it kept his snaps down after a hot start in his first year as a starter. 

The 6-foot-1, 207-pounder is looking forward to getting back on the field as he is feeling better with the extra rest. 

“It’s always been there,” Watkins said of his tendonitis. “It just flared up a little bit and did its thing. It got cold, and it flared up. That’s in the past, and I’m back in the fold.” 

After the bowl, Watkins will have a decision to make. After battling an injury all of 2016, the Texas native will have the opportunity to return to Notre Dame for a fifth season. 

“I have thought about it, but I’m only focusing on beating LSU,” stated Watkins. “That’s a decision I’ll make after the game. 

“I’m taking it one game at a time. We’ll see. I’m just focused on winning that game.” 

With his focus on the Citrus Bowl, Watkins and is looking forward to getting down to Orlando on Tuesday. 

“It’s very important,” Watkins said of the bowl game. “We’re all focused on beating LSU, and that’s the only thing on our minds. We have to get through this week and get to Orlando.

“I want to see the focus we had all season. We need to go out and play with the traits that coach (Brian) Kelly talks about. We need to play together to get the win.”

If he hasn’t decided on his future, Watkins sounds like someone who is coming back.  

“We didn’t like the way the season ended, but we get to go out and prove ourselves one more time, so we have a face and a name for next year,” Watkins stated. 

Watkins also feels for CJ Holmes, Alizè Mack Kevin Stepherson, who are suspended for the bowl game, but he understands he and the rest of the team can’t dwell on the situation. 

“We’d love to have them, but it is what it is,” said Watkins. “Next man in. That’s our mantra.  It’s tough. They are big contributors to the team, but there’s nothing we can do. We’re going to band together to get this 10th win.”