USF Mourns Loss of Former Bull Elkino Watson

(University of South Florida athletics photo)

TAMPA, FLA. The USF football family suffered a tragic loss early Sunday morning when former defensive tackle Elkino Watson passed away due to injuries suffered in a late-night incident in Tampa. Desmond Horne, who competed for a spot on the Bulls’ football team during 2015 spring practices, was also seriously injured in the incident. Horne’s affiliation with the USF Football program ended in May.

Updated Tampa Bay Times article

“We are deeply saddened and stunned by the tragic loss of Elkino Watson and the injuries suffered by Desmond Horne,” USF Head Coach Willie Taggart said. “Kino was a tremendous young man with a great smile and a big heart who was very much loved by our USF football family and will be sorely missed. Our hearts hurt for his daughter and his family. The thoughts and prayers of our team and our University are with the Watson family as they deal with this terrible loss and with Desmond Horne to make a full recovery.”

(University of South Florida athletics photo)

Watson, a native of Miami, was a four-year letterman for the Bulls (2011-2014) who played in 45 career games and started 19. He was one of the Bulls leaders on the defensive line last season posting 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in his final campaign in 2014. Watson, who was in the Chicago Bears camp logged 74 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss and six sacks on his career, finishing ninth all-time on the Bulls career tackles for loss chart.

“There is nothing more profoundly tragic and sad than when a member of our student-athlete family, current or past, passes away or is seriously injured,” USF Director of Athletics Mark Harlan said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Elkino Watson and with Desmond Horne and his family as he makes his recovery.  We will work closely with Coach Taggart and his staff to provide our football team and all of our USF student-athletes with the support they need during this very difficult period.”