When Ja'Rodd Watson announced two years ago that he would sign a National Letter-of-Intent to join San Jose State football program, his comment to espn.com was his signing would "...shock the world."

            The defensive tackle from Grossmont College gave the Spartans some much-needed size and experience in the line that Coach Mike MacIntyre sought with his first recruiting class.

            The 300-pound Watson felt pretty big during the University's 2012 Commencement as the third sibling in his family to earn a college degree.

            "I did it in a short amount of time.  I feel like I did what a lot of guys wished they could do. I played Division I football. I had the ability to live my dream. I couldn't ask for more what I've achieved so far," Watson said standing outside of Spartan Stadium following the ceremony.

             Besides playing in the defensive line, Watson was an important special teams player for San Jose State in 2011. He occupied the protector position for punter Harrsion Waid who finished 26^th nationally in punting.

             The psychology major's plans for the near future are a combination of what he's done at San Jose State on the playing field and academically.

              "Right now, I just received the D-line coaching position at my high school - La Jolla (Calif.) High School. I'll be coaching the defensive line there," the 300-pounder announced. "I'll go home and apply for a master's in sports psychology. I am an athlete, so why not work with fellow athletes."

               For Watson, he points to the Colorado State win last season as his lasting memory while at San Jose State. It wasn't just because his oldest brother E.J. was a top-notch fullback there either.

               "Beating Colorado State probably was the biggest moment of my college football career. I signed with them out of high school," said Watson.

                There were a lot of other happy Spartans that day, too. And, a lot of people are happy for Ja'Rodd Watson as he embarks on a coaching career as a San Jose State University graduate.

Graduation stories
121 Student-Athletes Eligible For Commencement
A Graduation Story - Change A Snap For Swimmer Karly Brown
A Graduation Story - Family First For Defensive Tackle Pablo Garcia