Defensive Back (1977) 

 

 

Ted Watts, from Tarpon Springs, Florida, played defensive back for the 1977 Coffeyville Community College Red Raven Football team.  The 1977 team, coached by legendary Red Raven head coach Dick Foster, had an overall record of 7-3 with Watts being a major contributor to the team.  

 

After his one year at Coffeyville, Watts signed to play with the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas. Watts was a two-time All-Southwest Conference first-team honoree during his time leading the Red Raider secondary from 1978-80.

 

Known for his speed and hard-hitting ability, from the safety position, Watts combined for 149 tackles and 19 pass breakups over his final two seasons. His final season in 1980 resulted in first-team All-America honors, making him just the second Red Raider defensive back in school history to garner the accolade at the time. 

 

Watts, who was the Pete Cawthon Memorial Team MVP in 1980 for Texas Tech, went on to be selected in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, beginning a six-year professional career that included stints with the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers.

 

Watts currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.