In football, the quarterback is considered to be the most important position and the performance of the team is highly dependent on this position's ability. Many times, teams with top tier quarterbacks are assumed to be playoff contenders. This may or may not be true as one can look at how Tom Brady, Brett Favre, or Peyton Manning has performed in this 2010 NFL season.
For the Pittsburg High Pirates, the 2011 season will depend on the performance of their quarterback, Malik Watson. As a junior this past season, he split time at quarterback as he played 10 games with seven starts that resulted in over 1000 yards passing with 4 touchdowns. The Pirates finished the season 5-6 as they lost their first playoff game to league rival Heritage High 45-20.
At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Watson can run 4.87 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has a shuttle time of 4.30 seconds, can bench press 210 pounds, squat 405 pounds, and has a vertical of 34 inches. He has a cannon for an arm as he can air it out 73 yards deep. He earned honorable mention for quarterback in the Bay Valley Athletic League. His teammates voted him Most Dedicated Player on the 2010 football team as he made all 24 work outs during the summer.
Watson compares his game to former Kansas State Josh Freeman because he has a very strong arm and is big but Watson also feels that he is shifty like former Syracuse Orangeman Donovan McNabb. Watson is a pro-style QB who has a strong arm that can take advantage of that by fitting the ball into small windows or making a deep pass that is difficult.
During the offseason, Watson works on his accuracy and reading defenses. He considers that to be important in addition to protecting the football and not turning it over. So, by being able to make proper reads, he can be accurate in his passes. He hopes this upcoming offseason will prepare him for his senior year. Watson's individual goal is to have a great season and put his teammates before himself. He wants to go undefeated, pass for 3,000 yards passing and 30 touchdowns while minimizing on turnovers. Watson wants his Pirates to be unstoppable next year and will guide his team to work to meet their potential.
Pittsburg High Coach Victor Galli says, "Malik has good size with an athletic thick build. He has a very strong arm that is accurate. Malik has a very big upside and is a dedicated worker and student. He is a leader with great poise and has excellent pocket presence. He should be one of the Bay Area's Best QB's in 2011."
Watson has the physical tools to be a quarterback at the next level. Many colleges are already aware of this fact. Boise State, Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, San Diego State, and Washington State have contacted him. Watson was born in Hawaii. As a result, he would be interested in the University of Hawaii as well. But he seems to be most interested in Pac-10 and west coast programs. Watson plans to make his college decision after his senior year and would like to go to college that is close to home to be near his family. He would like to become a chiropractor after his football days.
With a big arm on the football field, Watson also was a starting pitcher for his Pirates in his sophomore year. He would not mind playing baseball as well in college.
Watson, a devout Christian, says, "God is the one who strengthens me to fight and he is my rock. He answers my prayers in football and if my prayer isn't answered, it is just a test to show how much I am committed to the Lord."
His middle name, Ikaika, means warrior, strength, and laughter. He believes that describes him as a person quite well. As a result, Watson has the strength to compete on the gridiron but he is also a very joyful person who tries to enjoy the moment. Look for Watson to take the Pirates to a higher level on the football field next year in Pittsburg.
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