University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Quez Watkins Growing Into Leader for Golden Eagle Wide Receivers
11/13/2018 7:11:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – While Southern Miss gets ready to celebrate Senior Day this weekend, it has been a sophomore that has led the way for Golden Eagle wide receivers in 2018.
Quez Watkins, from Athens, Ala., paces the team in both catches (58) and receiving yards (721), averaging 80.1 yards per contest. His 6.4 receptions per game leads Conference USA, while his receiving yards per contest ranks No. 6.
His big attribute has come in the form of his consistency, which has produced at least five receptions in each of the nine games this season. His ability to make big plays also points to that reliability, putting together four of the top nine receiving plays, including a 57-yard strike from Tate Whatley against Marshall.
Watkins' big plays, though, have not been limited to just receptions. In the season opener in which he collected three touchdown receptions, Watkins also added an 81-yard punt return for a score – the longest offensive yardage play by Southern Miss this season – which earned him C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Last weekend, Watkins added another achievement to his resume by returning a UAB missed field goal attempt 55 yards, setting up three points instead for Southern Miss.
It is those types of things that has enabled Watkins to stand out on the offensive side of the ball.
His consistency has allowed him to compile three 100-yard contests this season – four for his career – including a career-best 11 catches against ULM and career-long 138 receiving yards versus Jackson State.
The Golden Eagles will need that continued leadership when they take on Louisiana Tech in a league divisional matchup, as well as the team's final home game this season, Saturday at 2:30 p.m., from M.M. Roberts Stadium.
The Golden Eagles and Bulldogs can be viewed on Stadium, as well as be heard on one of the affiliates of the Southern Miss IMG Sports Network.
Tickets can also be bought for the contest by going online at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or by visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. On game day, the M.M. Roberts Stadium ticket box office will open at 11 a.m., on the Southwest corner of the venue.
Quez Watkins, from Athens, Ala., paces the team in both catches (58) and receiving yards (721), averaging 80.1 yards per contest. His 6.4 receptions per game leads Conference USA, while his receiving yards per contest ranks No. 6.
His big attribute has come in the form of his consistency, which has produced at least five receptions in each of the nine games this season. His ability to make big plays also points to that reliability, putting together four of the top nine receiving plays, including a 57-yard strike from Tate Whatley against Marshall.
Watkins' big plays, though, have not been limited to just receptions. In the season opener in which he collected three touchdown receptions, Watkins also added an 81-yard punt return for a score – the longest offensive yardage play by Southern Miss this season – which earned him C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Last weekend, Watkins added another achievement to his resume by returning a UAB missed field goal attempt 55 yards, setting up three points instead for Southern Miss.
It is those types of things that has enabled Watkins to stand out on the offensive side of the ball.
His consistency has allowed him to compile three 100-yard contests this season – four for his career – including a career-best 11 catches against ULM and career-long 138 receiving yards versus Jackson State.
The Golden Eagles will need that continued leadership when they take on Louisiana Tech in a league divisional matchup, as well as the team's final home game this season, Saturday at 2:30 p.m., from M.M. Roberts Stadium.
The Golden Eagles and Bulldogs can be viewed on Stadium, as well as be heard on one of the affiliates of the Southern Miss IMG Sports Network.
Tickets can also be bought for the contest by going online at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or by visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. On game day, the M.M. Roberts Stadium ticket box office will open at 11 a.m., on the Southwest corner of the venue.
Players Mentioned
Blake Anderson Introductory Press Conference
Monday, December 15
2025 Bowl Practice Press Conference
Wednesday, December 10
Charles Huff 2026 Early Signing Day Press Conference
Wednesday, December 03
South Alabama Tuesday Press
Wednesday, November 19






