Mississippi State LB Nathaniel Watson Named Bednarik Award Player Of The Week

Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson continues to garner recognition for his efforts on the field.

Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson has been one of the biggest difference-makers for the Bulldogs during the 2023 season, recording one of his biggest performances of the year against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Watson was named the Bednarik Award Player Of The Week on Tuesday after he tallied some 14 combined tackles (5 solo) -- one of which was his 300th career tackles -- and 2.0 sacks. It marked his 14th career game with double-digit tackles.

Watson is just the second MSU player in the history of the program to earn this honor after Montez Sweat did it back in 2018.

Over the course of the first eight weeks of the season, Watson ranks second in the SEC in total tackles (71) and sacks (7.5). He is sixth in tackles for loss (8.5) while leading the league in fumbles recovered (2). 

Across the FBS, his 7.5 sacks are tied at fourth-most, while his 71 tackles are tied for 12th. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks third in the SEC in tackle grade (90.0) and is tied for 10th in total pressures (20).

Watson and the Bulldogs will look to keep things rolling as they travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium to take on the Auburn Tigers. Kickoff time is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network.