Former Lancer QB Watkins lands NFL workout with Bucs | News, Sports, Jobs

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Former Loyalsock quarterback Connor Watkins runs with the ball during the 2017 season against Mount Carmel.

Connor Watkins was not the starting quarterback entering his freshman year at Loyalsock. But he prepared like he was.

And less than one half into his high school experience, Watkins was called upon when starter Marcus Williams was injured and lost for the season. It was a tough situation but Watkins did not feel pressure because he was ready. All he did was throw two touchdown passes and help Loyalsock wallop Mount Carmel, 34-7. Thus started one of the most prolific careers in area history as Watkins graduated tied the former record for touchdown passes (69) while topping 6,000 yards despite missing half his senior year with a broken collar bone.

That high school opening night experience presents a theme which has run through Watkins’ life. He does not always know when the opportunities will come but he makes sure he is ready when they do.

And now Watkins has the ultimate opportunity as he tries living his childhood dream. Watkins heads to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie mini-camp today, looking to start what he hopes will be a successful NFL career.

“Anything competitive, I’ve always loved to do it. I grew a love for football in high school and it gave me the best opportunity to play at the next level,” Watkins said while training for the mini-camp in New Jersey. “It (quarterback) is such a fun position to be in. You get to be a leader among the guys and I’ve always loved having those opportunities. This has definitely been a dream of mine and now I’m at a spot where I could potentially do it.”

Watkins is one of three rookies who will be competing at the 3 ½ day camp. Baker Mayfield is coming off a career year and is entrenched as the starter, while veteran Kyle Trask has a firm hold on the back-up slot. Come training camp, the Buccaneers likely will carry four quarterbacks and Watkins’ hope is to do enough at mini-camp that he is signed to attend July’s training camp and earn a spot on the main roster come September.

“My mindset is I have nothing to lose. Just go there and be me,” Watkins said. “Show my personality, show what kind of football player I am and throw the pill around a little bit.”

Watkins has done that for most of his athletic life, becoming an all-state quarterback at Loyalsock before developing into one of the best quarterbacks in Villanova history, finishing among its top 10 all-time passers while starting the past three seasons. Watkins, a two-time all-conference selection and a constant academic honor roll student, helped Villanova reach the FCS quarterfinals last December.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder was a consistent dual threat who displayed a big, accurate arm, while also running for 1,257 career yards and 27 touchdowns. Watkins threw for 7,309 yards and 50 touchdowns during his college career and was intercepted just five times last season.

While the skill set drew NFL interest, so did the intangibles Watkins possesses. A captain at Loyalsock, Watkins embraced the leadership role again at Villanova. After being one of the younger players when he became the starter, Watkins was a calming veteran influence this past season; a mentor for a team which was much younger than in years past.

“Every year that you play in college prepares you a little more because you see and experience different things each season. This year was huge for me because of the roster situation and playing as a very experienced player with a lot of young guys around me on the offensive side of the ball,” Watkins said. “It was being a player and a coach at the same time and making sure the young guys are doing what they have to do week in and week out. It presented a different situation, and learning within that situation, I think I grew a lot.”

Multiple NFL teams agreed as Watkins prepared for Draft Day. In addition to the Buccaneers, the 49ERS, Jets and Patriots all reached out. Watkins believed the Buccaneers presented the best opportunity and received a draft day-like reception as he and his family celebrated his first step toward a potential NFL career. Watkins’ brother-in-law, former Montgomery linebacker Zach Sauers, may have been as happy as Watkins himself since he is a die-hard Buccaneers fan.

“I was surrounded by family and it was pretty cool to have the phone call and conversations with the teams and my agent and then to tell your family you’re getting the opportunity,” Watkins said. “They were all super excited.”

Watkins talked to the Patriots for a while, but, ultimately, the Buccaneers seemed like the right fit. Tampa Bay did not draft a quarterback, although it did sign Bowling Green quarterback Connor Bazelak as a free agent. That, however, hardly guarantees a roster spot, so having no draft picks makes for a clearer road, especially since only three quarterbacks currently are under contract.

“There were a few different opportunities,” Watkins said. “We tried to pick the best situation that you can do have. We felt like the Bucs were the best opportunity.”

Sports history is littered with players who were undrafted and went on to successful careers. That includes the NFL where Kurt Warner became a Hall of Famer despite never hearing his name called on Draft Day.

It’s not where one is picked but what one does when an opportunity comes calling. Watkins is eager to pounce on his.

“You have to take it with the utmost seriousness but at the end of the day you have to approach it understanding it’s a game because that’s what brings out the best in people,” Watkins said. “You have to realize you’re playing a game and appreciate the opportunity in front of you because not a lot of people get to experience it.”

Watkins also understands that even if the Buccaneers door closes, others could open if he performs well. Unlike in college, many NFL teams reach out; often referring and/or recommending that they look at someone they thought played well but who they could not sign. It’s like a puzzle and it’s all about finding the right fit.

If Watkins does not fit with the Buccaneers, maybe he will somewhere else. All Watkins can control is how he plays and that is his goal.

That mentality has made him a standout high school quarterback and college quarterback. Now the next chapter might become the most exciting.

And, as always, Watkins is prepared.

“At this point, the sole focus is trying to make it happen. Hopefully, it’s the NFL or potentially the CFL but you figure that out as you go,” Watkins said. “I just keep working away and it will work out.”