Sports

Former Gaucho to Start First NFL Game in Position He's Never Played

Former Saddleback College Gaucho Menelik Watson has never played left tackle. But that won't stop him from playing the position for the Oakland Raiders Thursday in an exhibition against the Seattle Seahawks.

It will be Watson's first NFL game.

The left tackle position is where a team usually puts their best pass-protector. That's because the left tackle protects a right-handed quarterback's blind side when the thrower drops back to pass.

The position has been increasingly appreciated on NFL teams, and excellent left tackles are often well-compensated, according to USA Today.

Things were looking bleak for Watson earlier this year when a calf injury threatened to keep him out of preseason play.

Now Watson is in better shape and he is being taught the left tackle position this week. (He played right tackle for Gauchos).

“They’re trusting me to play the left tackle spot, and playing there is a privilege," he told reporters this weekend. "I take the honor seriously. I’m going to make sure I’m ready to play."


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