Bookie Watson thanks Mississippi State football fans as he declares for NFL Draft

After an impressive time with the Mississippi State football program, linebacker Bookie Watson is headed on to the NFL Draft.

Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson has been an incredible and steady presence for the Mississippi State football program over the time he’s spent in Starkville. After an impressive and thrilling half a dozen seasons with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Watson is now headed on to the NFL Draft as he seeks to continue his football career.

Watson has seen a lot of change with the Mississippi State Bulldogs football program over the years. He was probably originally recruited by Dan Mullen and then signed with Joe Moorhead. The talented linebacker then stayed on with the Bulldogs after Moorhead’s time in Starkville came to an end.

Enter Mike Leach, who rebuilt the MSU football program, but tragically passed away in his third season coaching at State. And then there was this mess of a year with Zach Arnett, who was fired before the season came to a conclusion.

So, Bookie Watson has seen a ton of ups and downs in Starkville. And he, along with Jett Johnson, has been a steady presence that this team has needed.

Mississippi State football: Bookie Watson thanks MSU fans as he heads to the NFL Draft

And while he issued a statement thanking MSU fans, it’s MSU fans who should be thanking one of the best linebackers in Bulldogs football history for the way he constantly remained loyal to helping MSU out.

In his statement, Bookie writes:

“It truly has been a long time coming, but my time at Mississippi State has come to an end. 6 years ago, I came to Mississippi State as a teenager wanting to just play football, but as I leave Mississippi State, I leave as a man with two degrees and a life time of memories. I am so thankful for every person who has made this journey so memorable. I can’t thank my family, my teammates, and coaches, and all the trainers for their support and love through everything. All the memories I have made and the lives I have impacted will be something I hold with me forever. I looked forward to the next stage of my life and the journey this will be. Thank you for everything Mississippi State!”

Watson has been incredible for the Bulldogs. He’s been one of the best and most dominant linebackers the SEC has seen this season and he’s been great throughout his entire career. Watson will leave Starkville with those two degrees and also 377 total tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 21 sacks, two interceptions, and two fumbles recovered.

Good luck with what’s up ahead!