Week 9 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solo), 0.5 tackles-for-loss (3 yards), 1 forced fumble, 1 interception (7 yards)
A transfer from Lafayette, Watkins became the second LIU player this season to take home NEC/Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office Defensive Player of the Week distinction. The redshirt junior defensive back joined linebacker Rafael Fasolino in earning the award after he enjoyed a stat-sheet-stuffing outing against New Haven with five tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and an interception. Each of the Garden State native’s two turnovers — the forced fumble with 2:12 left in the opening quarter and the pick with 3:44 to go in the second quarter — resulted in Sharks’ touchdowns. In addition, Watkins anchored a defense that held the Chargers to just 61 rushing yards in the 38-16 triumph. On the season, Watkins has recorded 33 tackles, 1.0 tackles-for-loss and a team-leading three interceptions.