Former Titan Dontel Watkins and current Storm lineman Jeremy Buchanan were teammates at Antioch High School
By Scott C. Wallace
NASHVILLE- After focusing on signing players within the organization, Nashville Venom General Manager/Head Coach Billy Back signed four players this week to contracts from other teams. WR Dontel Watkins is a graduate an Antioch (TN.) High School. Watkins went on to star at Murray (KY.) State and received a tryout with the Tennessee Titans. Last season, Watkins won a championship with the Wichita Wild. The Wild wanted him back but Watkins made the decision to sign with the Venom.
Former Antioch High School star Dontel Watkins is a recent signee of the Nashville Venom. (File photo)
“It wasn’t that hard for me to decide to sign,” said the 6’2 Watkins. “I grew up here, my family is here and to be honest, I was tired of being away so much. I was blessed to have the opportunity to play a little for the Titans. I know how good the Venom was last year but that wasn’t the deciding factor for me. I love playing close to home. My combination of size, speed and route running are my strengths. I got to watch (Titans WR) Nate Washington a lot and I pattern my game to his. I call him Mr. Reliable. He works hard on every play and makes amazing catches. There are already some great receivers on this team. I want to add to that.”
Watkins high school teammate at Antioch, lineman Jeremy Buchanan also signed. Buchanan, a 6’4 320 lbs. graduate of Tennessee-Martin University, played against the Venom for the Georgia Fire last season. Buchanan just finished up playing outdoors for the Nashville Storm of the Gridiron Developmental Football League this past Saturday.
Venom Head Coach Billy Back.
“We made a concerted effort to get local players,” said Back. “Dontel and Jeremy will be outstanding for us. Dontel’s resume speaks for itself and Jeremy is gives us another reliable lineman. Not only are these two local, they can also play some good football.”
Watkins and Buchanan have now joined local high school stars; DB Jamie Graham (Whites Creek High School), kicker Christian Reed (Station Camp High School) and DB Kenny Walton (Lebanon High School) to ink deals on the team.
