Ari Watford
Defensive End, Class of 2025
Maury, Norfolk, VA
6-5, 220

This semester, class of 2025 defensive end Ari Watford is starting with a fresh slate. Not only is he turning the page towards his junior season, he’s also at a new school.

Watford transferred from Salem (VA Beach) to Maury (Norfolk) in time for the spring semester. He’s hoping the move will benefit him in a few ways. Watford said he believes his game will get a boost, but he also hopes his recruiting profile will follow suit. Right now, he claims 28 scholarship offers, including Virginia Tech, Georgia, Michigan and Penn State.

“I’m loving it and everything feels good over there,” Watford said of his new school. “I just moved, or my parents did. Football-wise, it’ll allow me to be the player I want to be. I wasn’t there yet fully. I’m hoping being at Maury will bring it out of me. Off the field, it’s a different experience. There’s new people, some football guys I’ve been around since I was younger, so it’s familiar faces. Ultimately, it feels like family.”

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