“Be Yourself”: Kyle Hamilton’s counsel to Xavier Watts, a star at Notre Dame, spills over into the NFL Draft

When Xavier Watts arrived at Notre Dame, he was an athlete full of potential, looking to make his mark on one of college football’s most storied programs. But like many young players entering the collegiate level, the transition was not seamless. It required resilience, adaptability, and, most importantly, guidance. One of the key figures in Watts’ development was former Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, who left an indelible impact on his younger teammate. Now, as Watts prepares for the NFL Draft, Hamilton’s advice—“Be yourself”—continues to resonate, shaping his approach to the biggest transition of his football career.

The Early Years at Notre Dame

Watts joined Notre Dame as a highly regarded recruit, showcasing talent on both sides of the ball. Initially recruited as a wide receiver, he eventually transitioned to defense, a move that tested his adaptability and football IQ. While this shift presented challenges, it was also the beginning of his rise as a playmaker in the Fighting Irish secondary.

It was during this time that Kyle Hamilton, already a leader and standout safety, took Watts under his wing. Hamilton, a consensus All-American and eventual first-round pick in the NFL Draft, understood the pressures of playing in South Bend. More importantly, he understood the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the expectations and challenges of elite college football.

Kyle Hamilton’s Mentorship

Hamilton’s guidance to Watts was rooted in simplicity and authenticity: “Be yourself.” While this phrase may seem straightforward, its implications are profound. For a young player navigating position changes and adjusting to the speed of the college game, confidence in one’s abilities and identity is crucial.

“Kyle was one of those guys who just had a presence,” Watts recalled in an interview. “He didn’t try to be anyone else, and he didn’t let outside noise dictate how he played or carried himself. That really stuck with me.”

Hamilton’s mentorship went beyond words. He led by example, demonstrating what it meant to prepare at a high level, study film diligently, and trust one’s instincts on the field. Watts absorbed these lessons, and as his responsibilities in the defense grew, so did his confidence and performance.

The Breakout Season

By the time his junior and senior seasons arrived, Watts had become a force in the Notre Dame secondary. His ability to read offenses, make crucial tackles, and deliver game-changing plays made him one of the most impactful safeties in college football. In many ways, his emergence mirrored Hamilton’s trajectory, reinforcing the idea that staying true to his strengths was the key to success.

Watts’ breakout season was punctuated by clutch performances, including key interceptions and defensive stops in high-profile games. His versatility—able to play deep safety, cover in the slot, and come downhill in run support—made him an invaluable asset to the Fighting Irish defense. NFL scouts took notice, and with each passing week, his draft stock continued to rise.

Carrying Hamilton’s Advice into the NFL Draft

Now, as Watts transitions to the NFL Draft process, Hamilton’s words carry even more weight. The pre-draft journey is filled with scrutiny—scouting reports, combine performances, interviews, and endless comparisons to other prospects. It’s easy for players to get caught up in proving themselves to evaluators rather than trusting in what got them to this point.

For Watts, however, the path is clear: remain true to his identity as a player. His film speaks for itself, showcasing his instincts, physicality, and range as a defender. His interviews reflect his maturity and football intelligence. Much like Hamilton before him, Watts doesn’t need to mold himself into someone he’s not to impress NFL teams—he just needs to be himself.

Kyle Hamilton’s counsel to Xavier Watts was simple but profound, shaping the latter’s journey from a young recruit to a top NFL Draft prospect. As Watts embarks on the next phase of his football career, that same message remains his guiding principle. With his talent, work ethic, and steadfast belief in his own abilities, he is poised to make a name for himself at the next level—just as Hamilton once did.