Over the last three seasons, Tiffin University's football team has went 24-9, 18-6 in conference play.

During that time, quarterback Nick Watson has been the steady hand directing the offense.

Watson, a redshirt senior from Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the greatest quarterbacks in TU history. He is closing in on most of the team's career passing marks, records currently held by his predecessor Antonio Pipkin, who still plays in the Canadian Football League.

During Watson's redshirt season in 2016, he got to watch Pipkin up close.

"It was a challenge to try and fill his shoes," Watson said. "He paved the way for me. The team reached a new level under him, and then I had to take over and continue that. I believe I was built for the challenge."

Watson had enjoyed tremendous success playing for LaSalle High School in Cincinnati. He was accustomed to a winning culture, and the display of that mindset from the other players that came with Watson to Tiffin in his recruiting class was one thing that appealed to him about playing at Tiffin.

"Tiffin felt like home to me when I visited," said Watson. "I made some friends early on and had great teammates. That whole group of players had the championship mindset. We had success in high school and we wanted to bring that level of success here."

Success is usually built upon hard work, and the transition to the college game required no less from Watson.

"The toughest thing in my first year was the extra preparation that was required," said Watson. "I didn't have to prepare nearly as much in high school for each game. It takes much more time in college."

The numbers and honors would indicate that Watson has adjusted very well.

He has been an All Conference honoree in each of his three seasons, with his 2019 season standing out as the best yet. While ranking amongst NCAA passing leaders during the season, Watson moved into the top four in every career passing category in the TU record books, currently ranking second in yards, third in completions and touchdowns, and fourth in attempts. He was honored as a Don Hansen Third Team All Region pick along with GMAC Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All GMAC.

"He is a tremendous competitor," said Head Coach Cris Reisert. "No matter what situation he seems to face, he comes out a winner. He has great energy and a consistent work ethic. He has also grown into that leadership role. He has found his voice in that role."

"I've learned how to take control of the game over the years," said Watson. "I try to stay composed and stay in the moment. The team has grown tremendously over the last three years, and when Coach Reisert came here we developed a championship mentality."

Last year the Dragons football program reached the NCAA playoffs for the first time in school history. That success along with winning the GMAC Championship has only increased the desire of Watson and his teammates.

"We want a national championship," said Watson. "Our success last year showed what we are capable of, but we know we can do more. Coach Reisert has helped us to stay focused on right now and not be satisfied with the past. He motivates us to be the best we can be."

With the Covid-19 pandemic, the team has had to adjust along with many other athletic programs nationwide. Spring football was lost, and the fall 2020 season has been moved to the spring of 2021. But Watson and the team are using this time to fine tune the on-field product.

"We are using the time this fall to get prepared," said Watson. "We can tighten things up and make things better. We started in small groups and have gradually grown larger."

"During the pandemic, Nick has been very consistent," said Reisert. "He sets the right example, and is providing a steady influence for his teammates. He has been able to work with the younger players, getting to know them."

Watson plans on continuing his football career if possible when he finishes pursuing his degree in Communications. He also has interests in working in broadcasting when his football days are over.

"I want to play football as long as I can," said Watson. "Broadcasting would also be great to be involved with down the road. Whatever I am involved with, I want to represent myself well and take pride in my accomplishments."