A Great Thief of Passes, Update Interview with 2022 Texas CB/ATH Kaden Watts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The elite can do it, but very few corners come close to locking down a side of the field for their defense. Over at Brenham High School, Class of 2022 cornerback/athlete Kaden Watts is becoming that elite defender.
During the 2019 season with the Cubs, Watts put an end to 48 plays picking off three passes taking one back to the house earning second team All-District honors. Getting time in going the other way, Watts secured five passes for 116 yards with one score.
Another season against 5A Texas offenses, another season being selected second team All-District. But his game was taken to another level, even if the honors did not match his productivity on the field. The 5-10, 180-pound, cover corner was strong against the run stopping 52 players while picking up two loose pigskins and picked off four passes. As the season wore on, offensive coordinators and quarterbacks stopped going Watts’ way.
Further showcasing his all-around athleticism during the 2020 season, Watts got some snaps in on offense again snagging 11 for 69 yards with a trip into the end zone. Another area where he was deadly, returning punts. Three game changing punts were taken back the other way for 170 yards.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Watts covers ground on his game and offseason workouts as recruiting interest starts to rise.
*Click the link for the Aug. 2020 RNG interview with Kaden Watts
Interview
Kaden, you were all over the field during the 2020 season making plays in all three phases of the game. Where all did you end up lining up for the Cubs?
I played corner, slot, outside receiver, and punt returner.
Let’s get into it with your punt return abilities. You took back three for 170 yards, that’s deadly. What was going for you leading to the momentum changing plays?
I was really just patient, caught the ball, looked around, found a hole, and used my speed and got to the end zone.
Easy enough. You got some extra snaps in on offense as well. How did that part of your game talents get utilized?
It was pretty good. I was not as much on offense this year, mostly defense and special teams. During my senior season I will be on offense a lot more.
The bigger plays were on defense. What coverages were you guys running?
We ran a lot of man, some zone, but mostly man.
Which areas of your game grew the most with the experiences?
My eyes got better, I was not looking in the backfield like last year, and how I was breaking on routes.
You took away four, was there a point when quarterbacks stopped coming your way?
In one game this season I had no targets but in the next game I had 13 and only allowed two. The rest of the season I did not get more than two targets in each game the rest of the way.
That’s respect. This offseason, what have you been working on with your fundamentals?
With 7v7, we have been practicing a lot. I have been working on my man coverage, working on eyes, my back pedal, breaking on the ball, and turning the hips.
What workouts have you been doing to add more power and speed?
I am using the ladder daily, working on the hurdles, squatting and doing leg workouts.
Kaden, great getting time in with you. Congratulations on yet another big season on defense and special teams. Keep up the hard work this offseason.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Watts family; Kaden Watts