This weekend, Nebraska hosted a number of priority recruits for the annual Red-White Spring Game. The prospects came from all over the country but one of the more important visitors is from right up the road in Omaha. Xavier Watts, a 3-star wide receiver from Omaha Burke, made a return trip to Lincoln to check out the game.
I caught up with Watts to get his thoughts on the offense, his relationship with the staff, his updated decision timeline and more.
Here is the full Q&A:
How was the trip out to Notre Dame?
“I really liked it. Everything was good.”
What were your overall thoughts on the spring game visit to Nebraska?
“It was just good to see. I’ve been to a few practices and I liked what I saw. It was good to see it in a game setting. It was good to hang out with some of the other recruits and players too.”
What is it like to have seen more installation in practice and then see it in the game? You have a unique view of that.
“It’s pretty cool to see. You basically get the installation piece, which isn’t as fast-paced. Then getting to see it in actual full speed, it’s really cool to see how fast they actually go. To see it all come together is cool.”
What did you think about the fan support for the spring game?
“It’s pretty amazing how many fans come out for just a spring game. It’s not really a lot of hard-hitting or stuff like that in the game. It shows how much they care about the team and how much support they have for the team.”
Does it still surprise you with how intense the fan support is?
“It’s still pretty surprising. I didn’t go to a lot of Husker games growing up. This is the first year I’ve been to multiple Husker games and been around them. So, it’s pretty surprising on how I get to see it a lot being part of the process.”
What did you think about the offense during the game?
“I liked how fast-paced they are. I like the routes they run. When I was in the receiving room, I like how [offensive coordinator Troy] Walters talked to the players. Just everything flows well. Everything is so good.”
Did you get to meet with Walters and how did it go?
“It was good. We are still building that relationship. We are getting closer and closer. He’s showing real interest in me which is good. It’s a good relationship. I talked to Coach [Scott] Frost too. It was also really good. I’m building good relationships with all the Nebraska coaches. Me and Coach Frost have a good relationship. He texts me every once in a while saying I’m a big piece and they need me. Stuff like that.”
Knowing that Frost has such a big reputation as an offensive coach, how does it feel to be recruited by him?
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool. It’s a coach who knows offense. He played quarterback and can see things. It’s pretty cool because I can trust him in that because he played offense before.”
What was it like getting to hang out with Blaise Gunnerson and Turner Corcoran again?
“It was cool. We’ve been ‘Snapchatting.’ We haven’t talked in person too much. Well, I’ve been face-to-face before with them on that practice visit. We’ve had conversations and joked around a lot. It’s cool to meet other recruits and have good relationships with them.”
Were you surprised when Turner committed?
“I already knew. Me, Blaise and Turner had been talking about it. It was cool in the moment but I already knew about it.”
What’s your plan for your official visit?
“I want to take some in the summer. I also want to use some in the fall to see game days too. It just depends on when I commit. I might commit before my officials but most likely I’ll take all five of my official visits.”
Right now, what’s your timeline for committing?
“My initial plan was before the season. It was just going to be before the season. I do want to take some officials on game day. So, it might be a little bit into the season. It won’t be after the season or anything. I’ll have to know before because I’m going to graduate early.”
What are the things you are most looking for in a school?
“The same things I’ve been looking for: the relationship piece, connections and how comfortable I feel. Then how much I’ll play and how they will use me in their offense or defense.”
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7629864/5bfb0bd615f6760cfc161a04
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.
