Xavier Watts Draws High Praise from AUE Founder: "Reminds Me of Ed Reed"
RG spoke to Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, AUE's founder, about his extensive working experience with former Notre Dame star Xavier Watts during an exclusive conversation.
Giving a rare insight into the intense preparation that has shaped the young safety's journey to the NFL. Ume-Ezeoke's comparison is both bold and informative.
'Reminds me of Ed Reed,' he said without hesitation.
Football players aren't likely to drop that name lightly. Ed Reed is a standout for elite play at the position due to his Hall of Fame status, Super Bowl championship, and arguably being the most instinctive safety the NFL has ever seen. Despite working closely with Watts for months, Ume-Ezeoke sees beyond just physical talent. He sees the intangible qualities that distinguish good from great.
'His IQ. High football intelligence. You saw it in how he trained—in the weight room, during speed work,' Ume-Ezeoke told RG . 'He's a communicator, a leader on the back end. Reminds me of Ed Reed in that sense.'
Draft-Day Steal and Mental Fortitude
While it came as a mild surprise that Watts was still on board late into the third round, ultimately landing with the Atlanta Falcons at 96th overall. The chip on his shoulder may only increase with his draft-day value. According to Ume-Ezeoke, Watts' capacity to handle and embrace that kind of adversity was not an accident.
'We talked a lot about staying level-headed—handling criticism, setbacks, and the pressure of the draft process,' he explained. 'I'd intentionally put him in uncomfortable training situations: fatigued reps, unexpected changes, even verbal pressure. He embraced it all.'
The goal was uncomplicated: develop Watts into an NFL defensive back who can not only survive but thrive under the pressure of quarterbacking the secondary.
Training for the NFL's Mental Gauntlet
AUE was launched by Ume-Ezeoke, a former standout offensive lineman, to create an environment where athletes are not only trained, but also battle-tested. For Watts, that meant entering what Ume-Ezeoke calls 'the lab'—where excellence is refined through chaos and control.
In addition to training that focused on recovering from fatigue and being aware of the field, there was a constant emphasis on adaptability. Ume-Ezeoke mentioned that Watts' development went beyond the field, focusing on traits that NFL teams seek: emotional stability, leadership, and real-time problem-solving.
'That resilience is one of his biggest assets going into the league,' he said. 'You can't fake that. He had to earn it every day.'
The Ed Reed Comparison: More Than Just Style
Ume-Ezeoke expanded on the Ed Reed comparison by pointing beyond the highlight reel plays and sideline-to-sideline range. Watts' skill in rapidly processing information, communicating pre-snap adjustments, and anticipating the offense's intentions before the ball was even snapped caught his attention the most.
'He sees the game like a veteran, even at 23,' Ume-Ezeoke said. 'That's rare. That's what Ed had. Not just speed or hits, but instincts. Xavier's got that.'
Poised for a Breakout in Atlanta
Watts is now officially a member of the Atlanta Falcons and will be tasked with developing quickly in a secondary position. In the NFC South, there are several emerging receivers and creative offenses. Watts enters the league prepared for battle thanks to the mental and physical preparation he put in during his time at AUE. He isn't just another newcomer. He's a player who has already faced internal battles and emerged with sharpened instincts, clarity of mind, and an approach designed for long-term success.
The Verdict: Built for the League
The legacy of Xavier Watts is still in its infancy for Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, but the foundation is unmistakable. Watts has put discipline, intelligence, and toughness into every aspect of his preparation, allowing him to make an immediate impact.
'He's ready. He's the type of guy who'll thrive when the lights are brightest,' Ume-Ezeoke concluded. 'Not just because of his talent, but because he's already been tested.'
The Falcons may have walked away with one of the steals of the 2025 NFL Draft. If Watts' trajectory continues, the echoes of Ed Reed's greatness might one day live on in Atlanta.
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