Football: Cedar Creek's Watson stunned by Army withdraw

Cedar Creek senior linebacker Isaiah Watson was prepared to sign a National Letter of Intent with Army.

But on Friday, five days before national signing day, Army pulled its offer, according to Cedar Creek coach Tim Watson (no relation).

"To say he was shocked and disappointed would be an understatement," Tim Watson said. "Not only was this opportunity taken away but many of the schools that had offered him had filled their 2017 classes and had no scholarships available at this point."

Tim Watson said that "fortunately" the University of Albany -- the first school to offer Isaiah Watson last spring -- was willing to honor their offer.

Isaiah Watson will sign with Albany.

But the experience clearly was unsettling for the player, his coach and others close to the Cedar Creek football program.

Tim Watson said Isaiah Watson had visited Army two weeks ago and had a home visit by the head coach as recently as Jan. 22.

Tim Watson said Army "cited their extensive requirements for admissions as the reason."

Tim Watson: "Isaiah Watson did nothing wrong to lose this offer. He held firm in the classroom and already possessed a satisfactory SAT score to be recruited and offered by such a prestigious institution ."

Isaiah Watson helped Cedar Creek, which is located in Egg Harbor City in Atlantic County, to a 20-4 record over his final two seasons. He was a standout linebacker and running back for a team that won the SJ 2 title in 2015 and was a finalist for the sectional crown in 2016.

Tim Watson asked that the media not contact Isaiah Watson for comment on the matter.

"This experience has given all parties involved a glimpse at the complicated and sometimes negative side of recruiting," Tim Watson said.

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

-- Follow @PhilAnastasia on Twitter

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