Watson Anchors Phoenix Defense, Earns MSC Defensive Player of the Week Award

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland linebacker Knox Watson was named the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week, announced Monday by conference officials.

Watson helped anchor a dominant defensive performance in Cumberland's 31-10 road victory over Ave Maria. The redshirt junior finished with nine tackles, including six solo stops, and recorded a game-high three tackles for loss totaling 10 yards. He also forced a fumble in the victory.

Led by Watson, the Phoenix held the Gyrenes to just 19 rushing yards and 208 yards of total offense. Cumberland kept Ave Maria off the scoreboard through the first half while CU built a sizable lead.

The Cleveland, Tennessee, native earns the conference's weekly honor for the first time this season and of his career. He is the first Phoenix of 2026 to earn a football weekly honor.

Cumberland returns home Saturday to face Pikeville at Nokes-Lasater Field.

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Players Mentioned

#35 Knox Watson: LB; 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#35 Knox Watson
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore
: LB

Players Mentioned

#35 Knox Watson

Players Mentioned

#35 Knox Watson