Don Watson (American football)

Donald Albert Watson (January 6, 1934 – January 7, 2020[1]) was an American football player and coach. He played college football at Texas A&M University (1954–1957), where he was one of the "Junction Boys", and later served as the assistant coach at his alma mater from 1965 to 1970. Watson was also the assistant coach at Virginia Tech (1957–1958), University of Houston (1960–1961), Tulane University (1962–1963), and the University South Carolina (1963–1964).

Don Watson
Biographical details
BornJanuary 6, 1934
McAllen, Texas, U.S.
DiedJanuary 7, 2020(2020-01-07) (aged 86)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Alma materTexas A&M University
Playing career
1952–1956Texas A&M
Position(s)Halfback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1957–1958Virginia Tech (assistant)
1960–1961Houston (assistant)
1962–1963Tulane (assistant)
1963–1964South Carolina (assistant)
1965–1970Texas A&M (assistant)

Early years and playing career

Watson played his high school sports in Franklin, Texas, where he won all-state honors. Don was a 1952 graduate of Franklin High School, graduating salutatorian of his class. During his high school athletic career, he earned 18 letters in sports. Because of Watson's memorable performance, Franklin's Head Coach, Joe Hedrick retired Don Watson’s jersey #17 in 1960.[2] He was recruited to Texas A&M University to play college football by then-head coach Raymond George. At Texas A&M, Watson was a member of the famed Junction Boys under head coach Bear Bryant.[3][4] In 1956, he helped the team finish 9–0–1 and capture its first Southwest Conference championship since 1939.[5] Watson received his Bachelor of Physical Education degree from Texas A&M in 1957.

Coaching career

Virginia Tech (1957–1958),[6] University of Houston (1960–1961)[7] Tulane University (1962–1963)[8] University South Carolina (1963–1964)[9] Texas A&M (1965 to 1970) In 1965 Watson was named assistant coach with his alma mater, Texas A&M.[10] During his tenure, the Aggies won the Southwest Conference in 1967. At the end of that season Texas A&M went on to a victory over Alabama and mentor Bear Bryant in the Cotton Bowl. Watson retired from coaching at the end of the 1970 season.

References
  1. "Silver Taps Notification". The Association of Former Students. 2020-01-10. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  2. "26 Aug 1960, Page 4 - The Hearne Democrat at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  3. "Junction Boys". www.espn.com. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  4. "Junction Boys: Don Watson". www.espn.com. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  5. "1956 Southwest Conference Year Summary". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  6. "24 Mar 1957, Page 30 - Daily Press at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  7. "24 Jun 1960, 7 - Victoria Advocate at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  8. "11 Jan 1962, Page 14 - The Laredo Times at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  9. "25 Apr 1963, Page 26 - The Greenville News at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  10. "3 Jan 1965, Page 8 - The Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
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