TAMPA, Fla. - The word is opportunity.

That’s all Tampa Catholic alum Tre Watson has ever wanted. Now with an NFL opportunity in his sights, it’s time for Tre to get on the field and do what he loves.

“It’s time to practice and that is what I look forward to do,” said Tre. “That is where I feel extremely comfortable being in and it’s going to be great.”

After beginning his college career at Illinois, Tre transferred to Maryland. During his time with the Terps he became one of the best linebackers in the nation. In 2018 Tre led the Big Ten in interceptions (5) and tackles (115).  

“Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, you are playing those teams every single year and back-to-back games every week,” Tre said. “It for sure is an extremely competitive conference and it definitely gets you ready to play.”

Tre’s strong senior year led many to believe he would hear his name called in the NFL Draft. It wasn’t meant to be. Opportunity came soon after. The Miami Dolphins signed Tre to a deal for rookie minicamp.

“I think the big thing about Tre is that he is going to do everything asked of him,” said Yo Murphy, Tre’s trainer and ASPI Director of Sports Performance in Tampa. “He’s going to be early, he is going to focus and know his plays. When it’s time for him to get his shot he’ll take full advantage of it.”

“Coming in as an undrafted free agent I have to earn everything every single day,” said Tre. “Just doing whatever I can do to make a roster and help the dolphins win football games.”

The Dolphins will hold their rookie minicamp next weekend (May 10-12).  It will be the first time for Tre to put on an NFL helmet and call himself an NFL player.

“Walking into a locker and seeing your name and number and seeing a Miami Dolphins helmet that you know is for you,” said Tre. “Getting to play football for a living, I mean, I can’t really ask for anything better. That’s what I have always wanted and now I get to realize that dream now.”

Opportunity.

It’s all Tre Watson has ever wanted. And now he has that chance to live out his NFL dreams. The kind that started long ago on a football field in Tampa Bay.