Football is a family tradition for Watanabe

Football is a family tradition for San Antonio (Texas) Brennan linebacker Grant Watanabe.

Gridiron is in his blood. Two uncles played at BYU. Another, Tony Moeaki, is a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. His cousin, Stanley Havili, is currently a fullback for the Philadelphia Eagles. The list of football family goes on and on and also includes San Antonio (Texas) Warren defensive tackle, Trey Lealaimatafao, who has seen offers from around the country placed on the table over the last two months.

The 5-11, 215-pound linebacker set out to make a name of his own in 2012. It is safe to say he accomplished that mission earning unanimous all-district honors and being named San Antonio-area defensive player of the year after recording 167 tackles, 29 TFLs, three sacks, and three interceptions as a captain for the 13-1 Brennan Bears.

"This season I had a lot to prove," Watanabe said. "That was my main goal because no one had really heard of me so I wanted to make a statement out here and get my name known just to get it out there. So I had a lot to prove and we had a young team and I was trying to lead a young team out and I ended up having a good year."

He is beginning to see his recruitment pick up with interest coming from near and far. He has yet to receive his first offer, but he will visit SMU on Friday, and plans to attend future junior day events at Colorado, Boise State, Baylor, and Utah.

"I'm still waiting to get my first official offer but I think when I go up to some of the junior days they're about to close in on it," Watanabe said. "I'm just trying to see what I can get so far because I have another year to play. I'm not rushing anything real fast. I'm pretty open."

In addition to the college visits Watanabe is continues to refine and showcase his football abilities. On Sunday that journey will take him to Cedar Hill, Texas for the Rivals Camp Series presented by Under Armour, and Watanabe is looking forward to the opportunity.

"I just really want to prove to all the people there that I can compete with the best people there," Watanabe said. "I'm really competitive and I really want to show that and showcase my talent there. I just want to do my best and try to get my name out more."