Whiz Kid: Terrell Watson

Terrell Watson left opponents grasping for air during many of his spectacular runs on the football field.  The Upper Moreland senior is hoping for similar scenes at Slippery Rock.

Watson recently selected Slippery Rock as his future home for both football and academics.  He signed a letter of intent to attend the Division II school earlier this month. 

For Watson, Slippery Rock provided the complete package he was looking for both in the classroom and on the gridiron. Watson was especially impressed by the feeling of family he sensed in his future teammates.

“They met all of my needs,” said Watson. "What really stood out was how they showed their family bond.  That’s exactly what we do at Upper Moreland.”

Watson took a visit to Slippery Rock and was impressed the moment he set foot on its campus.

“They showed us around,” Watson said.  “They showed us the college life. They actually took us in the classrooms and told us what we will be doing. I’ve loved it from day one.”

Watson left quite an impression during his days on the football field at Upper Moreland. He excelled on both sides of the ball, as he made a host of dominating plays on offense and defense.

Watson was an All-Suburban One American Conference Honorable Mention as a linebacker. He also has a highlight reel full of breathtaking plays as a wide receiver and a kick returner.

Watson said he will be ready to play wherever the Slippery Rock coaching staff wants him to play when his college football career gets underway.

It wasn’t just football that made Slippery Rock appealing to Watson. While he is officially undecided for his major, Watson knows what he wants to focus on for a career.

“I want to go for criminal justice and criminal forensic psychology,” said Watson.  “It’s really broad field.  I’d love to have myself in that field.”

Watson credits the coaching staff at Upper Moreland for his opportunity at Slippery Rock.  Watson played under Adam Beach, who recently stepped down after six successful seasons. 

Watson believes Beach made a major impact with more than just the technical aspects of the game.

“It was a really good program,” Watson said. “He showed us a lot and taught us a lot.  He got us to a place that we wanted to put ourselves in. You have to have that determination to do what you want to do and believe anything is possible.”

As Watson was finishing up his football days at Upper Moreland, the pressure of looking for the right college was eased by his trip to Slippery Rock.

“They were very homely,” said Watson. “They run the same plays. They’re a team that I can see myself with. I know I can play to my fullest potential for them.”

One of the greatest challenges for a college football player is to balance a time-consuming sport with academics. Watson has the drive and determination to succeed in both football and the classroom.

“That’s the self-determination,” Watson said. “You have to want to do it each and every day. When you wake up every day, you have to want to play football and do well in school.”

Watson’s days as an Upper Moreland football player are over. He is looking forward to making new memories at Slippery Rock.    

“I think I can be a special player,” said Watson. “Once I get up there, I’m going to flourish. I feel it, and I feel like I’m in great shape.”