The award for most valuable player along the defense for Texas A&M football in 2017 goes to versatile senior defensive back Armani Watts.
Texas A&M football had another repeat of a seven win regular season, under head coach Kevin Sumlin, in 2017. The Aggies’ defense was on the better end of all in the SEC this year. But, the SEC West tends to be one of the strongest divisions in the nation in terms of defensive talent.
With former Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher taking over with Texas A&M in 2018, the Aggies do have something big to look forward to next year. Yet, this team still needs to finish off the 2017 campaign on a positive note, in the Belk Bowl against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The defense will be led by senior safety Armani Watts in that contest.
All season, the heart and soul of the defense came from Watts. The loss of a talented leader like ultra-athletic defensive end Myles Garrett put more pressure on Watts this year. He responded with the best and most clutch season of his career.
Watts set a career mark in interceptions, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and tied his career high in fumble recoveries. His clutch moment of the regular season came when he intercepted Arkansas Razorbacks senior quarterback Austin Allen in overtime to claim a huge win for the Aggies.
He also had big games in wins over the ULL Ragin Cajuns and the Florida Gators, with three picks combined in those two matchups. His 13 tackle outing against the UCLA Bruins should have been enough to lead Texas A&M to a victory in that one as well.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Complete first round pre-bowl season
Watts should be a later round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’ll be a name to watch at the next level to make some noise and be a significant contributor on an NFL defense. Yet, the Aggies get one more game out of the talented and experienced safety before the draft comes around.