FAYETTEVILLE — Defensive lineman Armon Watts is tired of being slept on.
In Arkansas’ season-opening win over Eastern Illinois, he began to silence his doubters and those who had seemingly forgotten about him after appearing in just six games over the last two seasons under former coach Bret Bielema.
Watts, thanks in part to a strong push up front from he and defensive end Jamario Bell, keyed Arkansas’ first touchdown of the season. After knocking the ball free from EIU quarterback Harry Woodberry’s hand near the Arkansas goalline, lineman Briston Guidry fell on it to push the Razorbacks’ lead to 10-0.
To finally turn loose and prove he can produce as he did Saturday means the world to him.
“It was great for me,” Watts said Tuesday. “I just felt like being slept on for all these years, finally getting a chance, I think it’s time to just wake a lot of people up and show them what I can do.”
The St. Louis native is also one of a handful of Razorbacks, like Ty Storey and Jordan Jones, doing their best to take advantage of a fresh start with Arkansas’ new coaching staff. In the past, Watts has opened up a bit about the on-field struggles throughout his career.
Despite that, he’s earned an undergraduate degree and is working toward a second degree. And this season, his senior season, he’s operating with a clean slate and, after Week 1, has given coaches incentive to keep him on the field.
“I give credit to coach Morris for that, especially coach (John) Scott, him giving me the opportunity,” Watts said. “I just feel like I’m a different player all the way around. I’m excited to see where the year goes, especially for me, being a big year, my last year. I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Watts did not finish Saturday’s game among the team’s leaders in tackles. He totaled only two, but he was one of two Arkansas players — D’Vone McClure — to record a sack in the win. Watts was credited with a tackle for loss and forcing one of EIU’s six fumbles.
He added Guidry should give him props for making his second career score possible.
“I never heard the end of it,” he said of Guidry with a smile. “He needs to be thanking me, but he’s the luckiest guy I know. … (He’s been saying) how he can teach people how to score and stuff like that.”
Watts entered Saturday’s game with a plan to be disruptive, and his strip sack was just what defensive coordinator John Chavis ordered. There’s a lot more where that came from, he said.
“It was crazy,” Watts added. “I was picturing that play in my mind over and over before the game, and when the opportunity came it was crazy for me.”
Colorado State, who has struggled in the early going this season losing to Hawaii and Colorado in back-to-back weeks, will feature a running game drastically different than what the Panthers showed last weekend. Chavis and Scott are working to improve the line’s footwork and technique in hopes of slowing the Rams’ downhill rushing attack.
Getting off the ball and escaping blocks are keys for Week 2, Watts said. Similar to last week, and unlike years past, Watts is figured into the gameplan. Playing at altitude, he’ll have to come ready again, too, as Arkansas attempts to keep fresh bodies on the field.
“That’s going to be a big part of Saturday. I think we’ve got to get ready for it,” he said. “I think I’m ready to accept the challenge. I think some of us captains, we’ve got to do a good job making sure guys are dialed in and ready to go.
“Going over there is a business trip.”