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44 Days to Purdue Football: Anthony Watts

The defensive tackle could be a starter in 2019.

NCAA Football: Eastern Michigan at Purdue Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports

Today we feature a player that played early on in his career and should provide depth on the defense this season.

Anthony Watts - Jr.

Houston, TX (Jack Yates HS)

6’4”, 300 pounds

Defensive Tackle

2019 Projection: Starter at Defensive Tackle

It is never easy to be a starter at defensive tackle, but along with Lorenzo Neal, Watts has been solid the last two years. He had one tackle in nine games as a reserve in 2017, but became a starter last season. He played in all 13 games and started 11, leading to 42 tackles, 3.5 for loss, a sack, and an interception. The sack came in the stunning upset of Ohio State and his interception came on a tipped pass against Boston College.

Watts will be on the rotation up front this year, but should get better with more depth behind him. Guys like Lawrence Johnson, Branson Deen, and Steven Faucheux will allow him some extra snaps to rest, thus hopefully increasing his production.