Interview: 2020 California RB Zavien Watson Having Breakout Season with the Dons
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If one is familiar with Southern California high school football teams, then one will understand why the name Zavien Watson is perhaps new to the ears. Watson has spent the last two seasons behind Shawn Poma, one of the more underrated tailbacks in-state coming out of the 2019 class, at Cathedral Catholic. While Poma finished his high school career in style helping lead the Dons to a CIF San Diego Championship and onto state (12-2), Watson is picking up where he left off handing out head-pounding headaches and grass stains on the backside to any defender who gets in his way.
Watson started making noise in 2018 spelling Poma chomping up 389 rush yards off just 65 carries while reaching the end zone three times. Any projections one may have had for Watson’s senior season have been well-passed already, and in just nine games. The 6-2, 218-pound, combo back has showcased his skills on 187 carries covering 1,315 yards with 19 touchdowns scored while securing eight passes for 95 yards with another six going up on the board against Division I California competition.
On the diamond, colleges have already found Watson, a verbal commit to the Arizona Wildcats. On the gridiron, scouts are just now learning about him with interest coming in from Montana, Washington State, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon and Utah.
In an RNG return interview, Watson and I cover ground on his amazing season so far.
*Click link for RNG video interview with Zavien Watson
Interview
Zavien, you have been impressive this season taking over the star role out of the Dons’ backfield with the graduation of Shawn Poma. What has this experience been like for you so far?
“I am picking up where he left off, he had an amazing three-year career at Cathedral. I am not letting that die down. I am doing my best to keep it going out of the backfield.”
With the thought of being that 1,000-plus yard rusher, how did you prepare for the 2019 schedule over the summer?
“I trained every day starting at 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday with my team. We knew we would be good, but we knew we had to work for it. I worked with my team all the way through the summer to prepare.”
Which areas of your game have improved the most with the experience garnered on the field?
“The most improved areas for me have been my field vision, and since I am the only senior running back, my leadership – that has improved a lot.”
Of the games played, which has been your best so far and why?
“The best was against Saguaro (AZ). I was getting five to six yards on every carry and then popping 20 or 30-yard runs. In the St. Augustine game, I did a lot there and especially with my leadership. (QB) DJ Ralph (collarbone) went down, I took leadership of the offense. I led us to a win.”
Is there an area of your game that might be overlooked?
“My speed is overlooked. Everyone sees me as a 220-pound back, but I have speed. I have proved that this year.”
Since the Helix game the team has been on a streak with five-straight wins. What have you guys been doing well as a team to post all the victories?
“We are not coming in cocky. We got big headed after the first three games. The Helix loss opened our eyes. We learned that we can lose like any other team. We focused heavy on games, preparation, and winning after that loss.”
The team had a bye last week after the Holy Bowl win against St. Augustine (25-14). What is the mindset with one last regular season game on the road against Lincoln before entering the playoffs?
“As a senior, it is sad to know that is our last game regular season game. But we will have more games ahead. I am looking at the Lincoln game as motivation going into the playoffs.”
Zavien, it was great catching up with you today. Congratulations on the big season so far, and good luck pushing it forward.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; Zavien Watson in action