Rock Hill's Asa Watson commits to N.C. State

By Barry Byers - The Herald

Rock Hill High School's Asa Watson has made a verbal commitment to attend N.C. State University in Raleigh, N.C.

Watson, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound tight end, had 16 catches for 423 yards and two touchdowns this season. He's an outstanding downfield blocker and has also played defensive end.

He and his dad, the Rev. Ken Watson, went on an official visit to the school this past weekend. When they returned Sunday afternoon, Watson and his parents discussed his final choices -- N.C. State, Maryland or Duke.

"After we talked, I went to my room and prayed," Watson said. "It helped me make my decision. I told my parents, then called N.C. State to let them know I was accepting their offer. The coaches did a good job explaining their system and where they are going in the future.

"Another thing that helped was talking with their quarterback, rising sophomore Russell Wilson, last Friday night after we got there. We talked a lot, and Russell said God pointed him to N.C. State."

Watson has ties to the two schools he turned down. His dad played linebacker at Maryland. His older brother, Patriots tight end Ben Watson, played his freshman season and Duke before transferring to Georgia.

Ken Watson said he is satisfied with his son's choice.

"It's closer to home, so we'll be able to see most of his games," he said. "I would have gone to games if he'd picked Maryland, just not as many. I have to be in church on Sunday morning."

Watson was told he would play as a freshman, but the amount of playing time would be up to him. Watson was told to add 20 pounds, and he'll hit the weights from now until he reports for summer school on June 30.

Because of his speed and versatility, Watson will not be used as a true tight end. He'll be an H-back and doesn't expect to be used on defense.

"They will line me up in the slot, sometimes in tight or in the backfield,'' Watson said.

Watson helped Rock Hill finish 11-3 this season. They lost only to Class AAAA Division II state finalists South Pointe and Northwestern and to Sumter in the Class AAAA Division I semifinals.

Watson played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Football Game, where he got South Carolina's award for having the highest GPA, 4.2. He is ranked in the top 30 of Rock Hill's senior class and was named to the All-Region 4-AAAA team.

He plans to major in either physical therapy or sports management.

Verbal commitments are nonbinding. National Signing Day is Feb. 4.