LSU to meet with Cal graduate transfer running back Tre Watson

The grad transfer carousel continues to spin in college football. LSU recently added Stanford cornerback Terrence Alexander to the roster but it looks like the Tigers may not be done.

Still looking to upgrade the running back spot, LSU is expecting to meet with Cal grad transfer John Earl “Tre” Watson.

After an outstanding career at Centennial High in Corona, California where he totaled 5,244 career rushing yards for 72 touchdowns on an impressive 8.8 yards per carry, Watson picked Cal over UCLA. He was a Parade All American and ranked as the 37th best running back prospect in the country.

While with the Golden Bears, the 5-foot-10, 205 pounder was used in a variety of ways. He finished his days at Cal with 1,390 rushing yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 2,430 all purpose career yards with 13 scores. He has an excellent hands as a receiver and understands routes. He also had a 19.3 yards per return average as a kick returner.

If he is at full strength, Watson would be an immediate upgrade for the LSU running back depth chart. Now the sobering news: In the second game of the 2017 season against Weber, State Watson suffered a torn ACL. Obviously it’s not a good injury for a runner. Watson missed the remainder of the season and was granted an extra year by NCAA.

Possessing 4.45 forty speed pre-injury, Watson is a patient runner with good vision. He can find the crease on backside, wiggle through the holes and reach full speed quickly. Also able to run with power, Watson keeps his legs driving through contact.

Watson has already taken in the sights and sounds at Texas Tech on April 14. He will make a stop at LSU on April 27. A decision should come soon.

Taking a step back and wondering if this addition would be a good move by LSU, first you would have to think that the coaches are going to kick the tires on any prospect that they feel could be an upgrade. It also sort of tells you that perhaps they weren’t enamored by what the current group of veteran backs displayed during spring drills. I don’t think that there is a legitimate workhorse on the roster right now.

It is still unknown how far Watson has come back from an ACL tear. If he does join the Tigers, no one except the players and coaches will know much about him until the team reports in August for the season to begin.