Xavier Watts

Xavier Watts attended Harry A. Burke high school in Omaha, Nebraska. On offense, he hauled in 163 receptions for 2,978 yards and 36 touchdowns, while also rushing for 88 yards and one touchdown. On defense Watts notched 136 tackles, 13 pass deflections, nine interceptions, and one touchdown. Watts was ranked as the number two prospect in the state of Nebraska in the 2019 class and committed to play college football at Notre Dame as a wide receiver. In the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Watts was given a redshirt after only appearing in two games. During the start of 2021, injuries to the linebacker position, made it possible for Watts to switch to the "rover" position--a mix between linebacker and safety. Over 11 games, Watts collected 15 tackles. In 2022, Watts was the backup safety to Brandon Joseph where he played in 13 games with four starts and finished the season with 39 tackles and four pass deflections. He became the starter in 2023 and had a sensational season with an NCAA-leading seven interceptions to go along with 47 tackles, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown. Following the sesaon, College Football Network named Watts a First-team All-Independent and Independent Safety of the Year. Watts had a phenomenal 2024 season, playing 14 games and collecting 66 tackles, six interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. Watts was named second-team All-American after the season.