Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins, already proven under pressure, waited his turn

Connor Watkins will start at Villanova's starting quarterback on Friday against Lehigh. He is a fourth-year player in the same program. Daniel Smith got an extra year of eligibility and led Villanova to a share of the Colonial Athletic Association title and the quarterfinals of FCS playoffs last season. Last season, the Wildcats’ punter couldn't punt, so Watkins picked up that duty despite never having been a regular punters. He punted eight times for 34.6 yards a try. Watkins completed all six passes he tried for 83 yards. The previous spring, Villovan had a short CAA schedule after the fall 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic.