Mar. 24—This was not what Cam Watts would’ve preferred — or really, what he was prepared for. Less than a month ago, the redshirt senior cornerback was awaiting word on a waiver granting him one more year of eligibility, one last season with the Lobos.
When it didn’t happen, Watts had to pivot. Quickly. New Mexico’s pro day was only a few weeks away and there wasn’t a whole lot of training to be done in that span. “I was a little behind everybody else,” Watts admitted Monday. Nor was he totally sure he’d be able to enter in a pro day he always figured was a year away.
Any and all uncertainty he might have had lasted less than five seconds on Monday.
Watts was perhaps the biggest standout at UNM’s pro day, running the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds with scouts from the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals in attendance Monday. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound corner’s hand-timed mark was cross-checked by the Journal with said scouts, resulting in far and away the fastest time among eight prospects participating in the Lobos’ annual prospects showcase.
Watts also tested out with 20 bench-press reps of 225 pounds, a 10-foot, 1-inch broad jump and a 39-inch vertical leap — the highest mark of the day.
“Just (wanted) to do the best I could,” he said. “That’s all I can do … I was blessed with this opportunity (and) took advantage of it. You know, whatever happens, happens.”
And just how fast is 4.31? Compared to prospects tested at this year’s NFL Combine, Watt’s best time would’ve ranked fourth overall behind only Kentucky corner Maxwell Hairston (4.28), Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (4.29), Iowa State corner Darien Porter (4.30) and Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. (4.30)
Hairston and Golden are top 50 prospects and could very well go in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft; Porter and Thornton are considered locks to be selected. After spending last season as a reserve corner with UNM, Watts’ selection is not nearly as likely or anticipated, but his speed might open the door for a role at the next level.
Namely as a returner. At the behest of scouts, Watts caught punts for the first time in his football career, overcoming a bobbled first kick to settle in for a look at what might be his role at the next level.
“He just kicked it really far,” Watts chuckled when asked about the first punt. “But, you know, I got accustomed and was able to go out there and grab a couple.”
For now, Watts said he’s focused on continuing to train for UNM’s outdoor track and field season after winning the Mountain West indoor title in the 60-meter dash in February. The former Texas Tech transfer joined the team over the winter after running unattached in open events this January; his track eligibility has not been affected by his rejected football waiver.
“Couldn’t be a winner in track and come out here and run a slow 40,” he laughed.
Prospect notes — It’s hard (if not impossible) to say exactly what any professional team thinks of UNM’s draft hopefuls, so calling any prospect the most likely to be selected or signed across the NFL, CFL or various spring leagues might be a futile venture.
It’s fair to say running back Andrew Henry is UNM’s most visible prospect, however, especially after a strong turn in January’s Shrine Bowl. Monday, he reached most of his goals with 22 bench-press reps, a 10-and-a-half-foot broad jump and a 37-and-a-half-inch vertical.
An official 40 time was not available after Henry’s workout.
“Probably will be a new wave of coaches hitting me up after today to see the final numbers,” said Henry, who has received pre-draft interest from the Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. “So it was really good. We’re gonna see what the future holds.” — The only offensive lineman to test on Monday, left guard Baraka Beckett, said he’s received pre-draft surveys from the Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs after playing in January’s Tropical Bowl. The 6-4, 340-pound Pacific Palisades, Calif. native is also planning on going to a local prospects camp hosted by the Los Angeles Chargers later this week.
After that? Beckett wants to learn how to snap. “Going into whatever mini-camp I’m at, I’m gonna want to know how to snap at that point,” he said. “I’ve been practicing it a little bit, but after this Thursday, I’m gonna focus the new month on learning how to snap.” — Punter Aaron Rodriguez did not bench. Or run. Or jump. “Just punting,” he said.
After a strong pro day performance, Rodriguez made it clear: he’d take a break from his studies at UNM School of Nursing to pursue whatever opportunity came his way.
“I’d be so blessed, right?” he said. “Not too many guys get that chance. And if I have to take a break (and) come back, whatever it is, I’ll definitely see it through — nursing school is always there.” — Defensive linemen Garrison Walker, Devin Brandt-Epps, Bryce Santana and Kyler Drake also tested Monday.
