Latest news with #Ume-Ezeoke
Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Business News
Xavier Watts Draws High Praise from AUE Founder: "Reminds Me of Ed Reed"
Notre Dame Football YouTube Channel 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. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Business News
Xavier Watts Could Be the Steal of the Draft
The Atlanta Falcons' revamped leadership and offensive weapons have received much attention as they usher in a new era under head coach Raheem Morris. In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Atlanta may have made a major steal by acquiring safety Xavier Watts quietly. As one of the most decorated defenders in recent college football history, the Notre Dame star is entering the NFL. Moreover, as a player who is both mentally prepared, physically refined, and versatile in the draft. Watts' story isn't simply one of talent; it's one of relentless development, elite football intelligence, and a preparation process that left nothing to chance. Watts excelled at Notre Dame with 33 consecutive starts, culminating his career with eye-catching numbers. 188 total tackles (117 solo) 13 interceptions (tied for 3rd-most in school history and the most since 1996) 273 interception return yards, 2 defensive touchdowns, and 18 passes defensed Multiple forced fumbles and fumble recoveries He won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the top defensive player in college football and unanimous All-America honors for his breakout 2023 season, which included seven interceptions. In 2024, he made his best 82 tackles of his career, along with six more interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and another pick-six. Watts' Irish career ended with him being a two-time consensus All-American, a Notre Dame team captain, and a key member of one of the country's most respected defenses. Watts trained with Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, the founder of AUE Performance, to prepare for the NFL jump, which is aimed at developing not only stronger athletes but also smarter ones. Ume-Ezeoke, who also worked closely with first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr., aided Watts in enhancing the exceptional qualities that made him a significant player at Notre Dame. 'College safeties can sometimes rely on raw athleticism, but in the NFL, a false step is the difference between a pass breakup and a touchdown,' said Ume-Ezeoke in an exclusive interview with RG. 'We layered speed and decision-making into his drills—motion shifts, sudden breaks, NFL route concepts. Every step had to be intentional.' Watts not only met the challenge, but he thrived in it. According to Ume-Ezeoke, Xavier Watts' mental toughness is what separates him from his physicality or instincts. 'I'd put him in uncomfortable situations—fatigued reps, surprise challenges. Verbal pressure—just to simulate the mental chaos of the league. He embraced it. His ability to stay composed and driven through it all is why I believe he'll have longevity in the NFL.' Watts was projected as a second-round talent by many analysts, but ended up on Day 2. With humility and hunger, he embraced the process instead of letting it derail him. 'He wasn't chasing the hype,' Ume-Ezeoke added. 'He was chasing growth.' Watts, a smart, adaptable, and ball-hawking defender. Joins Atlanta's defense as they seek to replace veteran safeties and address the need for playmakers. The Falcons can be flexible and reliable in the secondary thanks to his ability to play in multiple coverages, diagnose offenses pre-snap, and deliver in big moments. The culture Atlanta is attempting to cultivate is perfectly matched by Watts' reputation for film study, sideline leadership, and team-first mentality. His effect may not always be apparent on the stat sheet right away, but his presence will be felt. The NFL Draft is often filled with headlines that focus on quarterbacks and top-10 picks. But it's players like Xavier Watts, who was drafted in the third round, who often define a franchise's long-term success. In Watts, the Falcons didn't just get a safety. They have someone who sets the tone. One with top-tier production. One with a pro's mindset. A person who is ready to meet the moment and then another one. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
