Signee Watson arrested

Mississippi State football signee Nathaniel Watson, who just inked with the Bulldogs earlier this month on National Signing Day, was arrested on Friday in his hometown of Maplesville, Alabama, and charged with first degree assault, which is a felony, as well as numerous traffic violations.

The news was first reported by The Clanton (Alabama) Advertiser.

press release given to The Clanton Advertiser, Watson and another Maplesville High School student, who was also arrested, lined up in front of the school in their vehicles for a race on Feb. 1. Witnesses said both individuals lined up side by side and floored it. Both vehicles then squalled their tires and fishtailed up the highway heading into town. The press release went on to state that as the racing vehicles topped a hill, an oncoming car caused Watson to swerve and lose control, strike a power pole and knock out power to portions of Maplesville.

There were passengers in both vehicles. The passenger in Watson's car reportedly had a crushed femur, fractured pelvis, a broken right arm and internal injuries. The passenger was airlifted to UAB for treatment. No court date has been set yet for Watson. Mississippi State head football coach Joe Moorhead released a statement on Saturday regarding Watson's arrest.

“We are aware of the vehicle incident involving signee Nathaniel Watson,” Moorhead's statement said. “We are continuing to collect details on the accident and have no further comment at this time.”

Watson signed with MSU as a linebacker, though he starred on both sides of the ball at Maplesville. He was ranked as the No. 15 recruit out of the state of Alabama by 247Sports.

In his senior year at Maplesville, Watson caught 45 passes for 506 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 500 yards and seven scores.

Defensively, Watson recorded 45 tackles and intercepted three passes.