Norfolk Christian QB Commits

by Andy Hilton, recruit757

Norfolk Christian QB Mekel Watson (Photo: Andy Hilton/recruit757)

The Norfolk Christian Ambassadors returned to the VISAA Division III State Championship game in 2011, falling a win short of a title repeat. They had a new quarterback at the helm: senior transfer Mekel Watson. The change of scenery was a good one for Watson, and soon he’ll be moving on to the college ranks.

Watson had his choice of several college opportunities, but he found his college fit at Division II Chowan University. He’ll walk on with the Hawks and look for an opportunity to earn a scholarship as a quarterback there.

“I visited their campus and met their coaching staff this past weekend,” said Watson. “While I was there, I had a good vibe with them and felt like this is a good fit for me. Other schools had interest: Randolph-Macon, Newport News Apprenticeship, North Park University (Chicago) and Guilford College (NC). What I liked most about Chowan University was the facilities and the education they offer.”

Chowan offers Mekel the opportunity to play his college football close to home in Murfreesboro, NC. Several local players from the Class of 2011 found a home at Chowan, including Phoebus’ Tevin McGougan and Jordan Roby, Kecoughtan’s Troy Williams, and Ocean Lakes’ Anthony Joffrion. The Hawks have senior quarterback Steven Carroll graduating, so that opens a spot on the depth chart for Mekel.

Watson is confident about his chances to see playing time early at Chowan. “I had a good vibe with the offensive cordinator, Coach (Mark) Hall, and I believe I could get playing time as a freshman in the CIAA,” Mekel said.

With the Watson’s commitment, the Ambassadors now have six seniors committed to play college football. Running back Jocorey Robins committed to Division II Concord in January, and four seniors (Kwontie Moore, Mario Nixon, Courtnye Wynn and Wil Wahee) committed to the University of Virginia prior to the start of the season.

- Andy Hilton