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California Golden Bears running back Tre Watson has showcased in recent years the potential to be the number one back on a top offense. Watson proved he could not only run and catch, but also protect his quarterback effectively in pass protection. Watson has all the tools to be a fantastic running back with more development.
As Cal changes coaches, Watson figures to become more involved in an offense that will be centered around a more traditional approach to football. Expecting a bigger run-pass balance could mean that Watson gets more touches and opportunities and could finally breakthrough with a signature season in his final year with the Bears.
Watson was honored today with a mention on the Paul Hornung award presesaon watchlist. The Hornung award is given to the most versatile player in college football. There’s little argument that Watson deserves to be on this list based on being the most versatile player in Cal football.
Watson has played in 35 career games with six starts over his first three seasons at Cal from 2014-16 and heads into his final collegiate campaign in 2017 as the Golden Bears' active career leader in all-purpose yards (2316), rushing yards (1307), kick return yards (657), total offense (1307) and total touchdowns (13). Watson is also coming off the strongest campaign of his career as a 2016 junior when he posted career highs in every all-purpose, rushing and receiving category when he had 1,156 all-purpose yards, rushing for 709 yards and four touchdowns on 143 carries while adding 21 receptions for 241 yards and four touchdown grabs. He also had 12 kick returns for 206 yards.