Germany: Straubing Spiders sign All Star DL Elijah Watson

AFI | American Football | 12/03/2024

The Straubing Spiders have announced the signing of defensive lineman Elijah Watson for the 2025 German Football League season.

The 6-3, 275 pound 25 year old native of Hackensack, New Jersey spent the 2024 season with the CD Juarez Jefes in Mexico’s Liga de Futbol Americano Profesional (LFA). Although the team finished with a 3-5 regular season record, they had the second best defense in the league with Watson contributing with 27 tackles including seven tackles for loss and four sacks. He also recorded 10 quarterback hurries.

In 2023, Watson helped the Seinäjoki Crocodiles in Finland’s Maple League to a remarkable season finishing with a berth in the championship final. The Crocodiles led the league during the regular with season with an 11-1 record boasting the top defense in Finland allowing 17.6 points a game. Over 14 games including the playoffs, Watson contributed with 44.5 tackles including 12.5 tackles for loss and a team-leading six sacks. He was named to the All-Finland 1st Team for his performance. He also played on the league’s top-rated offense adding his blocking and catching skills.

Watson arrived in Finland after an excellent senior season at Valdosta State University (NCAA Div. II) where he registered 42 tackles in 13 games including five tackles for loss and three sacks. He was name Defensive Player of the Week three times while helping the Blazers become the 2021 Gulf South Conference Champions.

He spent the 2019 season at Southern Illinois where he played in all 12 games recording 18 tackles, including two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His senior high school season with the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida was an indication of things to come. In six games, he recorded 45 tackles including nine tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in helping IMG reach the number two ranking in the nation.

Head Coach Cody Kent:

“Elijah is a dynamic multiple DL who can play the 0-9 technique. Eli has a type of leadership and mindset that is hard to find in humans these days. This is his biggest asset and a huge factor in bringing him to Straubing. I’m so proud to bring Elijah to the Spiders!”