Watson steps in for Summers in Calgary

Back from a two-week vacation, I was pleasantly surprised to find that our hydrangeas had not died (the palmetto is another story) and that Derek Watson and Demetris Summers are both still gainfully employed in the CFL.

It’s funny how life works sometimes. Watson and Summers seem destined to be linked — for better or worse. Lately, it’s been for the better.

The two were arguably the state’s best running backs when they arrived at USC. Watson was the state’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns when he left Palmetto High in 1999 — marks that stood until Summers broke them three years later.

But neither would match their high school success at USC, where their careers were cut short because of marijuana — Watson’s simple possession arrest was his last straw, while Summers was booted after multiple failed drug tests.

After unsuccessful stints in NFL camps, both have found new life with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders.

Summers was a backup tailback and kick returner on the Stamps’ Grey Cup-winning team last year. Watson, 28, who has been out of football for three years, joined him several weeks ago when Calgary needed another back.

In fact, Watson saw his first action in a regular-season game last week in a loss to Winnipeg (five carries for 10 yards) because of a hamstring injury to Summers.

Prior to the game, Summers and Watson spoke to The Calgary Herald about reconnecting north of the border.

(Be patient with the link: It’s dial-up slow. Hey, it’s a long way to Alberta.)

Share and Enjoy:

4 Comments to “Watson steps in for Summers in Calgary”

USELESS 13 July 2009 at 9:07 pm #

THANKS FOR MORE USELESS INFORMATION…
JT 14 July 2009 at 1:27 pm #

Dear useless: Get a life.

It’s the middle of summer. Nothing going on. Perfect time for a tidbit on previous players of significance.
USC Gamecock 16 July 2009 at 7:51 am #

Hey Useless – stay off this board…we don’t need or want your bozo comments.
JoeFan 16 July 2009 at 9:46 am #

Thanks Joe. Glad to hear your hydrangeas made it as well. What are they saying in Alabama about us coming down there this year? Worried? Shaking out of their boots?