One to Watch Interview with Rising Texas 2021 DE Landyn Watson

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In the world of science, they call is species identification. In the realm of high school football, they call it scouting – the ability to identify a next level caliber player. At Hutto High School, they have a growing beast that has been identified as a next level recruit already terrorizing opposing Texas offenses. They call him Landyn Watson.

Hutto High School is off to a fantastic start to their 2017 season posting a 4-0 record. The offense, thanks in larger part to Class of 2019 rising star quarterback Chase Griffin, is putting immense pressure on the opposition seemingly scoring at will. The Hippos prolific nature on offense is allowing the defense to pin their ears back focusing on harassing and limiting the quarterback. One Hippo starting to emerge as an impact player in the Lone Star State is Class of 2021 defensive end Landyn Watson.

Watching Watson, one can see all the pieces of the puzzle starting to come together. One cannot say enough about his skill set, motor, and athletic talents at this stage in his career. For those of you that do not like to do math, Watson, being a Class of 2021 recruit, means he is a freshman – a freshman playing Texas 5A varsity football should impress alone. Adding his athleticism to a 6-2, 226 pound, frame should scare opposing quarterbacks, running backs, and tackles for years to come. Another dimension to his game, he is going up against left tackles, typically the spot where offensive coordinators put their best lineman to protect the quarterback’s blindside.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Watson, a young man that impresses with maturity beyond his years, for a one-on-one conversation about his explosive start to his high school career.

Interview

Landyn, entering the 2017 season, did you know you would be contributing to the Hippos at the varsity level?

“I did not know I would be contributing at the varsity level. Going into the summer and fall camp, my goal was to give it my all so I would end up on varsity eventually. I did not know I would be there for this season.”

During fall camp, how did you win a spot on the varsity roster?

“During the offseason, I worked really hard and tried to do everything the coaches asked of me. During one-on-ones, Coach (Steven) Van Meter (head coach) would have me going against varsity linemen. I did very well and that helped me earn a spot on the varsity roster.”

The jump from junior high ball to varsity is big, especially in Texas. What have been some of the adjustments you’ve had to make to your game this season?

“The adjustments I’ve had to make – the big one is how fast I respond to things I see on the field. It is a faster pace at the varsity level. You can’t do what you want to do, you have to do your job first. Mine is to contain on the line.”

What was your welcome to the varsity moment on the field?

“There is one play against Rudder (Bryan), the tackle down blocked, when the tackle down blocked a guard came in to wipe me out. I was not expecting it so fast. Here was a 270-pound guard coming at me full-speed. He caught me. I got up and thought okay, I have to step it up.”

What are you doing well out on the field this season?

“One thing I feel I am doing well is giving 100 percent on every play. When I get off the ball, my pass rush has been good. We have a linebacker going inside me. I can get past most tackles on the outside with my speed. Most quarterbacks see me coming. I can affect the play that way – with my speed.”

As the season goes along, which parts of your game are you continuing to work on week after week?

“One part of my game I am working on is squeezing. I have my techniques for other stunts and responsibilities, but I am trying to close up the middle with my squeeze. When I get that down better, that will cause more trouble for offenses.”

I know you have one offer, are any other college teams showing recruiting interest in you?

“Texas and Baylor are sending letters and extending camp invites. I have one D-II school showing interest, Tarleton.

You got your first offer from Texas-San Antonio on July 20, 2017, how did UTSA offer you?

“They offered me at the end of their camp. During the one-on-one competition, I won all the reps. The camp was for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. When we split into groups, I went with the juniors and sophomores. The UTSA coaches wanted to see me against experienced linemen. I was able to show the coaches the kind of player I could be in big moments. Afterwards, they asked me which school I go to, camps I have attended, and about my offseason training.”

That is such a big moment, receiving your first offer. What were you thinking when you got the offer?

“I was thinking it was too good to be true. Coach Bo Davis (UTSA defensive line coach) said don’t let it go to your head. I realized then that I needed to keep working hard. I can’t get a big head. I have to keep working hard.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“My only unofficial visits were to UTSA and Baylor.”

How did the visit to Baylor go?

“It was good. They were playing against UTSA (Sept. 9). It was a good moment to have, a school showing interest in me. Getting that experience, even though I am young, it is a blessing.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“UTSA vs. Rice, I will be at that game (Oct. 28).”

Which games left on the schedule are you excited to play?

“We have Elgin this week, I am excited for this game. Another game I am excited for is Cedar Park (Nov. 3).”

What is your GPA?

“4.0.”

Nice. What is your favorite subject in school this year?

“Algebra.”

Is there a player at the collegiate or NFL level you watch to learn more about playing defensive end?

“This summer, my trainer, Tim Crowder (retired – Broncos and Buccaneers), trains NFL guys, and Brian Orakpo (Redskins) was one of them. He is in his hometown in Texas working out, that inspired me.”

Landyn, thanks for your time today and good luck this week against Elgin.

“Thank you.”

*Click the link for Landyn Watson’s Hudl link

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Photo credit: Felica Watson; No. 21 Landyn Watson rushes the quarterback

Photo credit: Ashleyn Roten; No. 21 Landyn Watson running onto the field