The rising redshirt junior defensive tackle out of Mooresville (NC) Chase has spent the last 20 months in recovery mode – emotionally, mentally and physically – from a wreck in September of 2013 that caused him to miss the rest of the season and took the life of one of Watkins’ closest friends.
Watkins played last season – 135 snaps over 13 games – but admitted recently that he still isn’t all the way back. But he’s close.
“I am headed that way. I don't want to say I am there yet, because there is always room for improvement,” Watkins said.