2021 National Scouting Combine Featured Athlete Fitz Wattley, DB from Coastal Carolina

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Fitz Wattley | Coastal Carolina University | DB

Twitter: @FitzSavage21 | Instagram: @Fitzroy_21

Fitz Wattley – DB – Coastal Carolina

Q: Tell us about your college (or pro) career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like. Why did you choose Coastal Carolina?

A: I chose to attend Coastal because it was the best option out of the offers I had, and they stood on their what they told me. I was not heavily recruited out of high school. I had to earn my scholarships the hard by way going to 12 camps the summer before my senior season. Coastal was one of those camps and they said if I performed well they would offer me the next day. So I went and perform exceptionally and by the time I got home from the trip, they called to tell me they wanted to offer me a scholarship. I committed right after that. My college career at Coastal was great, I was a true freshman Linebacker initially getting playing time here and there and eventually starting by the end of the season. I made the move to Safety spring semester going into my junior year. From there I never missed a game playing every snap leading the team in tackles and interceptions.

 

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

A: My biggest accomplishment in my sports career so far was the success I had when moving to Safety. I was a Defensive End of my senior year of high school, but I always knew I could play DB. Believing in myself to change my position that late in my college career and having the success that I had gave me the confidence to know that I was meant to play that position and be one of the best to ever do it.

 

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at Coastal Carolina?

A: The most important thing I learned from the coaching staff at Coastal was how to watch and breakdown film. Coming out of high school I was a pretty smart football player but it was more instinctive than actually knowing what was going on. When I got to Coastal my coaches taught me how to watch film. Breaking down offensive schemes, formations, route concepts, and looking for individuals players tendencies. And, most importantly, knowing your defense inside and out knowing what your job is and where you fit in the schem,. and also knowing everyone else’s job and responsibility.

I feel that my biggest strength is my ability to bring people together. I have a natural gift of leadership, it is easy for me to talk and relate to people, no matter what background they come from.

Q: How was your career impacted due to the 2020 pandemic and what have you learned from the adversity?

A: First I’d like to say my prayers go out to anyone who lost a loved one due to this pandemic. These are tough times and it’s never easy losing someone. This pandemic has impacted my career because it hindered a lot of opportunities that I had. 2 of my tryouts for the CFL were canceled because of this pandemic. WIth that being sad I look at this pandemic as a blessing in disguise because it gave me time to work on myself, spend moretime with my family, and improve my football skills. It also allotted me the time to focus on school and finish getting my degree at Coastal. I think God intended it to be that way, for me to finish my degree and then focus on my Football Career. Now, with this combine, I have an even better opportunity to show who I am and what I can do

 

Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?

A: I Majored in Business Marketing and I have my Bachelors Degree of Science in Marketing. With that being said I don’t have a “Plan B” as some people would say. I believe that if you have a backup plan you don’t truly believe in your original plan. So it’s NFL or nothing for me.

 

Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?

A: My past teammates would say that I’m hardworking, passionate, and a great leader. Anytime I step out on that field I give everything I have, so I demand the same from my teammates. I love the game of Football and I pour that same love into the people playing with me. Anyone who has played with me will tell you that I pushed them to be the best player that they can be.

 

Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?

A: The Most memorable play fo my career was in the Arkansas (SEC) game in 2017. It was the 3rd quarter Arkansas had the ball a drive that they needed points bad. 3rd and medium was the down and distance. Were it Cover 3 and I was rolling down to play the Hook/Curl. They hiked the ball and got to low in coverage so he tried to throw the ball over my head but I planted my foot in the ground jumped up and deflected the ball. That play gave our team a huge spark. We ended losing by 1 point. Still think about that game today we should have won.

 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?

A: My biggest challenge is doing what I am currently doing and that is pursuing my NFL Career. being a Free Agent it tough to be put on a teams radar. But each day I tell myself to keep pushing and continue to work hard and it will all come together soon.

 

Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?

A: I compare myself to Ed Reed with the mentality of Tyrann Mathieu. Ed Reed and I have similar playing styles that allows us to be free on the field and make a lot of plays, and I have the “Honey Badger” metaliilty meaning I don’t care how big, fast, or athletic you are if you line up in front of me I’m stopping you.

 

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?

A: I feel that my biggest strength is my ability to bring people together. I have a natural gift of leadership, it is easy for me to talk and relate to people, no matter what background they come from.

 

Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?

A: I have volunteered my time on numerous occasions throughout my life and I have also mentored before. I currently volunteer my time every Saturday at a food drive in my hometown of Powder Springs, GA. There we put together meals and provide groceries for families who may need it.

 

Q: How are you preparing for the 2021 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?

A: I have been preparing myself for this combine by working out 6 days a week with my trainers over at Precision Athletic Corps (PAC) and IDareU Academy both located in Atlanta, GA. My goals for the combine are to just do everything to the best of my ability with max effort. More specifically I want to run a 4.3s 40 and jump a 42 inch vertical.

 

Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?

A: My ultimate achievement is to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. I believe will be one of the best Safeties to ever play the game once given an opportunity.

 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A: I love playing video games! Ever since middle I have been obsessed with video games they help me relax in my down time. My favorites are Madden, Call of Duty Black Ops 3, and Batman Arkham Knight.

 

Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?

A: I would devote my time to figure how to bring peace to this world. In this crazy game called life we often forget that the most important thing in this world is Love and we are on this earth to spread it.

 

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?

A: The most influential people in my life have been my parents and my brother. They molded me into who I am today and have been my support system throughout my entire life. I would not be in this position to reach my goals without them.

 

Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?

A: I love music. I love playing it and listening to it. I never leave the house without my headphones and if I do I’m turning back around to go get them. I know how to play the piano a little bit but I’m still learning. I also used to play the saxophone when I was younger. I want to start making music as a hobby.

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job has always been to be an NFL Player. That dream is now a goal and will soon be my reality.

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National Scouting Combine Posts

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