Offensive Tackle Hardy Watts Talks Recent Recruiting Rise, Miami Offer

Like many high school football players, 2025 offensive tackle Hardy Watts has dreamed of playing college football ever since he was a young child. So, when Watts received his first Division I offer from Pittsburgh on April 26, the emotions he felt were powerful.

“With that one, I broke down. That was the first one. That was like, ‘You’re gonna get more here but you have one.’ So, that was like the foot-in-the-door type thing,” Watts told LifeWallet Sports. “I remember, I went and told my mom, my mom started crying. My little brother, who I’d like to that I’m like a father figure to, he broke down crying. It was just a very emotional day.”

These offers have continued rolling in for Watts, who has since received offers from West Virginia, Syracuse, Penn State, Texas A&M and Miami.

Watts traveled down to tour Miami as a freshman because his cousin was interested in attending the school.

“The campus was just breathtaking,” Watts said. “Every turn was just jaw-dropping. Beautiful campus, great location, Southern school, lots of sun and [a] great football team.”

Watts’ recruitment blew up after a breakout sophomore season at Dexter Southfield (Mass.) School. This was prompted by a position switch from left guard to right tackle.

“Honestly, I had always wanted to play tackle, so it was something that when coach wasn’t looking or like after practice, I’d take snaps as a left tackle because I played left guard,” Watts said. “So I was fairly comfortable and honestly embraced with open arms when they told me they’d move me over to tackle. Going from the left side to the right side was honestly easier than I thought it would be … Always a learning curve.”

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