Terrell Watson
Former APU running back Terrell Watson has found a new home in the NFL.
On Jan. 21, Watson was signed by the Cleveland Browns to a reserve/future deal.
He spent his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals’ 10-man practice squad. He will be reunited with Cleveland’s new head coach, Hue Jackson, who served as the Bengals’ offensive coordinator last season.
Watson enjoyed his time on the practice squad, learning from veterans and becoming accustomed to NFL life.
“It was a good experience,” Watson said. “I had a lot of vets teach me the ropes, and show me how to be professional…I would hang out with guys like A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, A.J. McCarron, and Andy Dalton—these vets actually cared for you, and they wanted to know you as more than just a football player.”
Watson also expressed his excitement about his new signing in Cleveland.
“I like the move a lot,” Watson said. “I feel like there are a lot of great opportunities in Cleveland to hopefully get in there and play.”
“It will be a great way to add myself into the mix, and see how I fit into their game plan. I’m excited to see what will happen,” Watson added.
APU’s running back coach Ben Buys also likes the move from Cincinnati to Cleveland and believes that Watson will have his opportunity to shine in the NFL.
“Without a doubt, Terrell has a better chance to play in Cleveland,” Buys said.
“Their running back staff isn’t as great compared to Cincinnati, and they brought him over there for a reason,” Buys added. “When [Hue] Jackson took over that job, he made a real direct effort to get Terrell over there, and I think that bodes well if your head coach wants you in that position. His chances to play are a lot greater there, and I think it will be a good situation for him.”
Watson broke over 20 school records at APU and 25 Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) records, including APU’s single-season rushing record set by former NFL great Christian Okoye in 1986.
Josh Atkinson and Paul Flores
For the second consecutive year, two APU football players represented the university in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Senior cornerback Josh Atkinson and senior offensive tackle Paul Flores were selected to play for team National, winning 18-17 over team American on Jan. 23, in Carson, California. This was one of the first steps for Atkinson and Flores as they prepare to enter the NFL Draft.
Atkinson began his college career playing football at Notre Dame before transferring to APU.
“When I came in for my first visit, after seeing what APU was about and meeting Coach Santa Cruz, I realized that it was a special place, not just for football, but also to grow as a person within my faith and education-wise,” Atkinson said.
In addition, Atkinson also has an impressive football lineage. His father, George Atkinson, was a safety for the Oakland Raiders from 1968-1977, and George Atkinson III, Josh Atkinson’s twin brother, is currently a running back for the Raiders.
Atkinson admits that his father had a major influence on him and his brother, and that is one of the reasons he would like to play professional football.
“My father was someone that I idolized on and off the field, somebody that I’ve always looked up to and who has always helped me, from guiding me through this process and showing me how to work hard in order to get to the next level,” Atkinson said. “When it comes to my twin brother, George, we always competed and pushed each other in order to get better every single day, and ultimately help get each other to the NFL.”
Cougars head coach Victor Santa Cruz pointed out that Atkinson’s size—6-feet and 195 pounds—and playing style make him a unique and physical player.
“For Josh, it’s hard to find a corner that big and that fast,” Santa Cruz said. “It’s tough. Usually, you give up speed for size, or size for speed, but with him, you don’t give up anything.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Flores has also been recognized for his size and athleticism. He was a three-sport athlete at Gladstone High School, where he played quarterback. Now, Flores stands at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, and has adjusted to being a lineman.
Flores always wanted to go to APU; he had family that attended the university, and he wanted to stay local so that they could see him play. In addition, he saw APU’s transition from the NAIA into the NCAA as a great opportunity to play at a higher level.
Flores thanked NFL Hall of Famer and APU O-line coach Jackie Slater for his transition into an offensive lineman.
“He’s probably one of the most influential people that has ever coached me, in moving me to an offensive tackle specifically,” Flores said. “He has such a wide amount of knowledge when it comes to the position and the sport. I just tried to soak up everything that he gave me.”
Coach Santa Cruz also raved about Flores’ ability to succeed at the next level.
“Paul is a very large man,” Santa Cruz said. “He has all the measurables needed to play the position; he is smart and very athletic with his feet.”
Santa Cruz had one final message for both Atkinson and Flores: “Just win today. Every day is an opportunity. At the very least, go to bed and say, “I did all that I can.” If they take you, they take you, and if they don’t, they don’t, but make sure that you did everything you can to get yourself ready for that opportunity.”