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Junior lineman picks up first offer

Glen Ellyn (Ill.) Glenbard West lineman Chris Watt picked up his first offer over the weekend from a familiar program. The 6-foot-4 250-pound two-way player was on the Northwestern campus on Saturday watching an exciting 49-48 win over Minnesota. After the game, Watt was on his way back home with a scholarship offer on the way.
"I just got an offer from Northwestern," Watt said. "I went to the game with my parents and before the game at the Nicholette Center, Coach Fitzgerald said he wanted to have a meeting with me and my parents. He said he would write the offer up on Monday and mail it."
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The offer, which came as the first for the 2009 lineman, was received with open arms from Watt.
"It was really exciting," he said. "I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe it, I was so happy. It's a fantastic school both academically and athletically. I think the sports program is turning around for the better."
Watt should know. He has interacted with the coaches on multiple occasions and has a an inside source on the team of his own.
"I went to a Northwestern camp this summer and went to a Main South lineman combine and coach Fitzgerald saw me there," he said. "He liked me there and my brother (Kevin Watt) plays on the team so I know of him from that. He said with my family background he just needed to see some film on me. When he saw the film he really liked what he saw. He liked how I finished."
Watt has plans to get on the road and see some other games this season and has the Big Ten in his sights.
"During the season, I started to pick up interest from Colorado, Illinois, Northern Illinois, Akron and Miami (Ohio)," he said. "I was planning on going to the Illinois Michigan game but didn't make it. I'm looking to go see an Illinois game this fall and then maybe some other Big Ten games."
Watt plays both sides of the ball for his 4-4 program and doesn't yet know for sure where he will be playing in college.
"They line me up at left tackle on offense, blocking tight end and guard on the inside plays," he said. "I also play strongside defensive end and rotate with another guy."
If Watt ends up in Northwestern purple, there may be an interoffice fight to land his services.
"I talked to both the offensive and defensive line coaches," he said. "They say they both want to see how I fit in on what side of the ball. I don't really know yet where I'll play."
Watt has been finding his groove for his high school team on the offensive side of the ball.
"I really like O-line this year," he said. "I've really enjoyed playing there. I think that's where I play best. I'm probably more of an inside guy. I'm 6-4, 270 so I'm not that tall for a tackle, but I think I can add weight for college."
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