CB Nick Watkins: "Coach Lea is letting us play"

Notre Dame’s cornerbacks have been a consistent force this spring, and fifth-year senior Nick Watkins has led the charge. 

“Competition is steep,” Watkins stated. “Everyone is going out there and working on what they need to do.” 

The DeSoto (Texas) native had a choice to make in January as he could have left for the NFL or pursued a graduate transfer, but Watkins choose to return to South Bend for his final season. 

“It was pretty much looking myself in the mirror and knowing I could be a better player,” explained Watkins. “Having another season under my belt that was taken away from the broken arm would help me get to my end goal of the NFL.

“If I didn’t come back, it would have probably been a grad transfer. I wanted to come back for my guys. This is the place where it all started. I feel like we can win a National Championship here.” 

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder battled tendonitis last fall, but is back to full health and is making sure he leads the cornerback unit his spring. 

“We’re taking it day by day, but we’re all helping each other” stated Watkins. “If I see something wrong with technique or something, we’re going to speak up. 

“It’s about being a better leader and expecting more out of myself and my teammates.” 

Watkins intensity and confidence has been noticeable, which he has made a conscious effort to improve.

“I need to be more verbal,” Watkins said. “I need to let the guys know I’m here. I want to be more of a leader for the team. It’s as simple as that.” 

Confidence was never an issue for Watkins, but if the defense makes a play, he makes sure to let the offense know about it. 

“It’s high,” Watkins said of his confidence. “I don’t think confidence was ever a problem. Everyone knows what they have to do. Everyone is going out there and playing their game. Coach (Clark) Lea is letting us play.”