April 03--Nick Watkins' first start was his last start, made Jan. 1 during a 44-28 loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.
If Notre Dame's junior cornerback has his way, he will make his next available start, at Texas on Sept. 3.
First, though, he must endure some pain before he tries to gain one of the two starting cornerback spots next season. Watkins had surgery Saturday night to repair a fractured left humerus he suffered during that morning's practice. Notre Dame expects him to return in time for summer workouts.
Watkins has eight tackles to his credit in 23 career appearances. He said in December that not seeing the field much had been frustrating just before he filled in for Devin Butler (broken right foot) in the Fiesta Bowl and recorded three tackles against Ohio State.
"I'm not used to sitting down," he said. "That's what comes with playing at a big school like this. It's all about patience and timing.
"You can't give up when things don't go your way. It's how you respond to everything. That's still what I'm learning, to respond."
How Watkins responds to his arm injury will go a long way toward determining his role's fate. He is expected to compete with Butler, Shaun Crawford and Nick Coleman for a starting spot.
Kelly said after the Fiesta Bowl that Watkins was "hanging on for dear life most of the time," but added that he was impressed Watkins wasn't overwhelmed under the circumstances.
"We preach next man in," Watkins said then. "That's just the way it is. That's how Coach (Brian) Kelly coaches the program. Next man in shouldn't be a dropoff."
pskrbina@tribpub.com
.jpg?w=600)
