Mississippi State football: Bookie Watson lands on Lombardi Award list

Mississippi State football star Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson is getting some early Lombardi Award love before his final season with the Bulldogs.

One more year with Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson. That’s what Mississippi State football fans get. And heading into his final season with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Watson is receiving some recognition from the Lombardi Award.

As the Bulldogs gear up for their season opener against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on September 2, Watson (a key leader for this Mississippi State Bulldogs team) was named to the 2023 Lombardi Award Watch List.

The Lombardi Award is an annual recognition of the best offensive or defensive lineman in college football. And it’s a pretty big deal for Watson to get this recognition.

A season ago, Watson racked up a total of 113 tackles and recorded a half dozen sacks. Opposing offenses were already aware of the impact that Watson can have. Now he’s also on the radar for national awards.

Mississippi State football: Bookie Watson gets on 2023 preseason Lombardi Award watch list

Mississippi State football head coach Zach Arnett and defensive coordinator Matt Brock will be relying on Watson’s presence heading into the 2023 MSU football season. The Bulldogs lost seven starters from their defense in 2022 and Watson (one of the best tacklers in the country a season ago), brings a lot of experience to this roster.

Watson finished the 2022 MSU football season with 113 total tackles (8.7 tackles per game), which was good enough for second most in the Southeastern Conference last season (second only to his teammate Jett Johnson).

Throughout his career, Watson has played in 45 games and recorded 242 total tackles. He’s clearly been a productive member of the Bulldogs’ defense over the past few seasons.

This isn’t the only preseason recognition that Watson has received heading into 2023. Both the Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award watch lists have Watson on them.