Career
Watson is considered one of the best athletes in the history of Eufaula High School where he starred for the Tigers in football and basketball (1954-1958). He played under legendary Eufaula High coaches A. West. "Bill" Buchanan in football (the Tigers record was 27-9 during Watson"s playing career at Eufaula) and basketball under Jack Powell where he played on a district championship team during his senior year. Watson was a two time All-State selection in high school, as a two-way lineman, and was a three time All-Securities and Exchange Commission performer at Georgia Technical (1960-1963).
He was chosen Associated Press lineman of the week in 1961 for his outstanding play against Duke University.
In the game he recorded 12 individual tackles, numerous assists, and a fumble recovery while playing on both sides of the ball. In 1962, Watson played in one of Georgia Technical"s biggest wins in their storied football history.
The Bobby Dodd coached Jackets upset Bear Bryant"s Alabama Crimson Tide, in Atlanta, on November 14 of that year. The Tide was ranked #1 in the country and led by All-America quarterback Joe Namath.
The 7-6 Jackets" victory gave Alabama its only loss of the year and ended the Tide"s quest for a second straight national championship in what many Technical fans consider the greatest game ever played at Historic Grant Field.
He went on to play professional football with the Boston Patriots in the old American Football League (1963-1964) and the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (1965). After his playing career ended he returned to Georgia Technical and earned a Master"s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Dave has three children, Lynne, Neal, and Amy.
He is currently retired and living near Pine Mountain, Georgia.
