John “Jack” Watson, born 123 years ago Monday, was the University of Illinois football team’s very first All-America center. Born and raised in DeKalb, he lettered for Coach Bob Zuppke’s first three varsity teams in 1913, ’14 and ’15.
During Watson’s junior season, the Illini compiled a perfect 7-0 record and earned Big Ten and mythical national championships. As the center, he triggered an Illinois offense that included quarterback Potsy Clark, halfback Harold Pogue and end Perry Graves. On defense, Watson sparkled as a tackler in the middle of the line. That 1914 Illini team outscored its opponents by 202 points (224-22).