University of Connecticut Athletics
Getting to Know the Freshmen: DL Eric Watts
10/14/2019 9:56:00 AM | Football
Defensive lineman Eric Watts has been a huge part of the UConn defense this season as a freshman. He has recorded 17 tackles so far, which ranks first among all UConn freshmen. Last week, the Sumter, South Carolina, native sat down with us for an interview.
Q: What made you choose UConn?
EW: I came here on a visit with my mom, and we all were here. We were going through the visit and everything, and my mom was just like, 'I feel like you would be a good fit here.' She was really liking it and she was talking to Coach Edsall. She really connected with Coach Edsall and she was like, 'I think this would be a good fit for you.' So me and my family sat down and talked and we thought this was the best place for me.
Q: You're from South Carolina, so were there any southern schools that were looking at you?
EW: There were a few southern schools looking at me, but I didn't want to be so close to home where Mom could just come there like, 'Hey, how ya doin?' I wanted to be off a little farther where I could be more independent, grow up a little faster, learn some things a little quicker on my own.
Q: What's the atmosphere of this team like?
EW: It's young. It's a young team, but it's like they want it. We're trying to get there. We want to be that big-time team that everybody wants to be talking about. It's hard-working. Everybody's working, trying to do their best to get to that level.
Q: How do you feel you fit into this d-line unit?
EW: I think I'm a pretty good fit for it. I'm a little undersized. I'm not having as much of an impact right now at the moment, but I think I'm a pretty good fit because I can cover ground pretty fast with my speed. If I do get a good pass rush, I can scare the tackle.
Q: What's it like coming in as a true freshman and actually being able to play significant snaps every week?
EW: It's a great feeling. It's a great feeling that you can come in, actually play and make an impact on a game as a first-year player. But it's tough. It's a lot of hard work.
Q: What's been the biggest adjustment for you coming from high school to college football?
EW: Game-wise, it's size, strength and speed. That's been the biggest thing. Players are like way faster, way bigger, way stronger, and when you play, there's not really any weak link on the field. Everybody's a good athlete.
Q: What's your favorite thing about playing football at UConn so far?
EW: My favorite thing is just the brotherhood, man. The guys in here, the bond is crazy, man. It's like actual family, and I treat them like family. We joke around, have fun, go out somewhere, go get something to eat. We hang out all the time, and it's like they're my blood brothers.
Q: What do you feel is the best attribute you bring to this team?
EW: I would say my pass rush probably.
Q: What's something you'd like to continue to improve on?
EW: I want to improve on getting bigger, stronger, faster. There's a lot I can improve on. It's my first year, so I'm just getting a taste of what I need to work on. But I can work on every area of my game right now, pretty much.
Q: What's something you'd like UConn fans to know about you?
EW: I like the support. Keep it coming.
Q: What's a personal goal for you this season?
EW: Personally, I don't really care about me right now. I just want the team to have at least a decent season, a good season. I'm a team guy. I really don't care what I have, I just want the team to be in a good set where we can have a good successful season and we can have fun with the game.
