Players make most of chances

Walk-ons earned scholarships, now leading Bobcats.

Before last season, wide receiver Tyler Watts, defensive end Ishmael Davis and safety A.J. Krawczyk were just walk-on players and part-time contributors for Texas State.

But all three were awarded scholarships that August, just ahead of coach Everett Withers’ Texas State debut.

One year later, Watts described that as “probably the best feeling I ever had.”

“I called my mom, and I let her know that she didn’t have to pay for my school anymore,” Watts said. “It was one of the best feelings. It was such a blessing, such an honor.”

Watts, Davis and Krawczyk — all redshirt juniors who sat out the 2014 season — are now not only full-time starters, but leaders on their sides of the ball.

In the season-opening win over Houston Baptist, Watts led the team with six catches while Davis led the Bobcats in tackles with nine, including a tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery. Krawczyk was right behind Davis with seven tackles, tied with Bryan London II for second-most in the game.

Last year, Watts went into the season with zero career catches and came out as the Bobcats’ leader in receptions with 43. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, he started 11 games in the slot, scoring one touchdown and gaining 364 yards.

Davis started nine games, registering 42 tackles and a sack. He bulked up in the offseason, going from 225 pounds last year to 265 now.

Davis is “probably one of our more powerful kids up front,” defensive coordinator Randall McCray said. “He’s really improved since last season.”

Krawczyk appeared in 10 games, primarily on special teams. He started his career as a running back but moved to receiver before last season — the same position he played in high school at Kingwood. He switched positions again this spring, this time to safety.