Bucs WRs coach got his guy in Penn’s Justin Watson

The week before he was promoted to receivers coach on the Bucs staff, Skyler Fulton worked as an assistant at the Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, and in doing so got a full week of practice coaching Penn receiver Justin Watson.

Fulton liked Watson enough that he attended his pro day at Penn in person, and when he saw the measurables that he put up there — 40-inch vertical, 4.42 time in the 40 — he was worried that his secret was out.

"He ran really fast, and (Fulton) said 'Oh, my God. People are going to know about him now,'" Penn coach Ray Priore said. "He said 'This is my guy. I worked with him for a week.'"

The Bucs were still able to get Watson, drafting him in the fifth round Saturday — he'll add depth to a talented group of receivers, having topped 1,000 yards in three straight seasons to graduate as Penn's career leader in catches, yards and touchdown receptions.

Priore coaches a team of nothing but Ivy Leaguers, but he said Watson's football intelligence and leadership will stand out with the Bucs. He said the team captain cared enough to attend all of Penn's special-teams meetings even though he didn't play on any special-teams units his senior year.

"I've been at Penn now for 33 years, head coach for the past three and it's very, very rare that you find a young man that has the qualities and the drive in everything he's done," Priore said. "Meticulous about his body, preparation, how he attacks practice, first on the field and last to leave. He's worked hard to get to this point."