Xavier Watts’ confidence soars during Notre Dame football Pro Day: ‘There’s nobody like me.’

Notre Dame’s Pro Day is an event that carries significant weight each year for both the university and its football program. It’s a time when prospects, alumni, and scouts from the NFL converge on the campus to assess the talent that will potentially make its way to the professional ranks. For Xavier Watts, this year’s Pro Day was not just another day in the spotlight—it was a declaration, a moment of self-belief that confirmed to all watching that he belonged among the best. “There’s nobody like me,” Watts declared with unwavering confidence, encapsulating not only his sense of individuality but also the unique journey that had brought him to this moment.

As the former safety and cornerback for the Fighting Irish, Watts had emerged as a standout player for Notre Dame. His athleticism, versatility, and growing confidence had drawn attention from NFL scouts, and Pro Day became the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his skills. But the statement he made—bold and undeniable—was more than just about football. It reflected the culmination of years of hard work, challenges, and overcoming adversity, both on and off the field.

This essay takes a deeper look into Xavier Watts’ journey, his growth as a player, and the confidence that led him to make such a strong proclamation during his Pro Day. The story of his ascension in Notre Dame football, paired with his standout Pro Day performance, is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and belief.

The Journey to Notre Dame

Xavier Watts didn’t always know he would play football at the highest level. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where sports were a major part of his life from a young age. But football wasn’t always the number one focus for Watts—he played multiple sports and was a standout in basketball, with a natural athleticism that allowed him to excel in a variety of disciplines. It wasn’t until high school that football became his primary focus, and even then, it was his versatility that caught the eyes of college scouts.

He played both wide receiver and defensive back in high school, but it was his potential as a cornerback and safety that drew the attention of recruiters. Watts had an innate ability to read the game, react quickly, and put himself in the right position—traits that made him a natural on the defensive side of the ball. His speed and athleticism gave him an edge over other players, but it was his cerebral approach to the game that really set him apart.

His recruiting journey ultimately led him to Notre Dame, one of the most storied programs in college football. When Watts arrived in South Bend, he was a highly rated recruit with big dreams but still raw in many aspects of his game. It was clear from the start that he had the physical tools to succeed, but Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the staff knew they would need to help him fine-tune his skills to make a major impact at the collegiate level.

Growth and Development at Notre Dame

Watts’ early years at Notre Dame were marked by learning and adaptation. Like many young players, he struggled with consistency and had to adjust to the physical demands of the college game. However, what set Watts apart was his work ethic and commitment to improving. Under the tutelage of coaches and with the support of his teammates, Watts began to refine his skills. He worked tirelessly to master both the defensive back position and the nuances of college football.

What really made Watts stand out during his time at Notre Dame, though, was his ability to adapt to different roles on the field. Initially recruited as a cornerback, he later moved to safety, a position that showcased his versatility and football IQ. Whether lining up on the edge or covering the deep ball, Watts displayed a natural talent for reading offenses and adjusting his positioning. His physicality, paired with his keen understanding of the game, made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

As his junior and senior seasons progressed, Watts became a focal point of Notre Dame’s defense. His confidence began to grow as he saw his hard work paying off in games. His ability to shut down wide receivers, break up passes, and make key tackles had him on the radar of NFL scouts long before Pro Day. He knew that his time to prove himself was approaching, but he wasn’t content to simply be a solid contributor—he wanted to leave a legacy.

Pro Day: The Moment of Belief

Fast forward to Notre Dame’s 2025 Pro Day. The event is buzzing with energy as scouts from NFL teams line the field, armed with stopwatches and clipboards. Watts, knowing the eyes of the NFL were firmly locked on him, was ready to showcase everything he had learned during his college career. But beyond the drills and physical assessments, it was his confidence that truly stood out.

“I don’t think there’s anybody like me,” Watts said, a bold declaration that rang through the complex. While some might have seen this as bravado, to Watts, it was a statement of self-belief that had been forged over the course of years. His journey wasn’t just about his athleticism; it was about his growth as a player and the confidence he’d developed in himself and his abilities.

The moment he made that statement, those who knew him weren’t surprised. Watts had always exuded a quiet but intense confidence, and he had been a steady presence on the field throughout his career. He knew that Pro Day was his opportunity to not only prove himself to NFL scouts but also to confirm that he was ready for the next level—both physically and mentally.

During the drills, Watts was everything scouts hoped to see: fast, agile, and aggressive. His 40-yard dash was clocked in the low 4.4s, which is elite for a defensive back. He posted impressive numbers in the three-cone drill, showcasing his ability to change direction with ease. And in the position drills, Watts displayed excellent ball skills, whether it was his ability to break up a pass or his anticipation in coverage. His performance validated his words—there truly wasn’t anyone like him.

But beyond the physical performance, it was the way Watts carried himself during Pro Day that stood out. He moved with the kind of poise and confidence that comes with knowing your worth. While some players might have been overwhelmed by the nerves and pressure of the moment, Watts seemed calm and collected, making every move with purpose. This wasn’t just about showing off his skills—it was about asserting that he was ready for whatever the NFL would throw at him.

The Significance of Confidence

Xavier Watts’ statement, “There’s nobody like me,” might have seemed like just another comment made by a confident athlete, but it was deeply symbolic of his journey. For Watts, it was more than just about proving his worth as a player—it was about asserting his place in the world. Growing up in Omaha, he had to work harder than most to earn recognition. At Notre Dame, where the spotlight is always shining brightly, Watts made it clear that he was not just another player but someone who had earned his place through sheer determination and belief in himself.

Confidence, in many ways, is a double-edged sword in the world of professional sports. For every player who talks the talk, there’s the question of whether they can walk the walk. But for Watts, his confidence wasn’t unfounded; it was a product of his experiences. He had been doubted early on and had faced obstacles throughout his life, but each challenge made him more resilient. By the time Pro Day rolled around, Watts knew he had what it took to make it at the highest level of competition.

Confidence was also what helped him become a leader on Notre Dame’s defense. As the seasons wore on, Watts’ teammates looked to him for direction. He became known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his leadership qualities. His self-assurance rubbed off on others, and he developed a reputation as a player who could be relied upon in the most critical situations. Whether it was intercepting a key pass or making a clutch tackle, Watts was someone who stepped up when his team needed him the most.

The Future: What’s Next for Xavier Watts?

As Watts leaves Notre Dame and transitions to the NFL, there’s a sense of excitement about what lies ahead. His Pro Day performance only added to the buzz surrounding him, and many experts see him as a potential Day 2 or Day 3 draft pick. Whether he’s selected in the second or third round or has to work his way through training camps, Watts has proven that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level.

The NFL is known for its brutal competition and high stakes, but Xavier Watts has already shown that he can handle the pressure. His journey from a promising recruit in Omaha to a standout at Notre Dame and now to an NFL hopeful is a testament to his perseverance and belief in his own potential.

In a world where confidence is often seen as a luxury, Watts has demonstrated that it is an essential part of success. His declaration that “there’s nobody like me” wasn’t a boast—it was an affirmation that he had the self-assurance to take on the best and succeed. As he moves forward, there’s little doubt that his confidence will continue to drive him to new heights, both on and off the field.