Just like Nebraska's in-state recruiting talent for the class of 2019, the class of 2020 figures to also have some major talent. One of the talented players in that class is Omaha Burke wide receiver/defensive back Xavier Watts.
Burke came into the season ranked as the top team in Nebraska's Class A and has raced to a 2-0 start. Watts has been outstanding to start the season, too. He also had an eye-opening touchdown catch against Millard West last Friday.
.@xavierwatts6 with the amazing TD catch. @BurkeFootball takes a 7-0 lead. #gametime #nepreps pic.twitter.com/2radTRFuQd
— YurView Omaha (@YurViewOM) September 1, 2018
Watts made a visit to Nebraska for Saturday's canceled matchup with Akron. Despite not seeing an actual game played, Watts still had a good visit and plans to return soon.
Hail Varsity caught up with Watts to learn more about his visit and his plans for the season.
How was your overall experience on Saturday?
“It was fun. I like the atmosphere. That was my first Husker game. It was a good experience to see the fans watch the game, well, the warm-ups.”
What are your impressions of the new coaching staff?
“They are pretty good. I’ve only talked to a couple of them. I’m really cool with [inside linebackers] coach [Barrett] Ruud and [director of high school relations] coach [Kenny] Wilhite. Those are the main ones I’ve talked to. I’ve talked to coach [Scott] Frost a couple times but that’s it.”
Has Nebraska talked to you about what position they see you at?
“Not really. They haven’t really said if they like me for wide receiver or defensive back. We haven’t talked about that yet. I’ll play anything schools want me to play”
How is Burke's season going so far?
“I think the season is going pretty well. We are playing pretty hard. We have a lot to improve on but we are in a good spot right now.”
Does Burke being preseason No. 1 add additional pressure?
“We just have the mindset of not letting anyone take anything from us. We don’t really care about the ranking but we don’t want anyone to take anything from us.”
Who are other schools you’ve been in contact with?
“Iowa State, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Minnesota and Iowa. That’s pretty much it."
Do you plan on coming back to more Nebraska games?
“Yeah I actually plan to come back down this weekend with Nick [Henrich] and Chris [Hickman].”
What are some things you are looking for most in a school?
“I’m really looking for a school that’s good at football but also not just all about football. They also know how to build character in a person and cares about their players with academics. Not just [only] football.”
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
