BROOKLINE — It was almost intimidating, standing in front of so many cheering fans. Sure, Hardy Watts had played in front of immense crowds in the past. However, the spotlight was on the football star alone this time around, as he braced to make his collegiate decision.

After receiving 28 official offers and speaking with just about every NCAAF official of note, the Dexter Southfield lineman opted to commit to the University of Wisconsin, a choice he made based on school culture.

“To be honest, it wasn’t that hard for me,” said Watts. “I had a gut feeling, and I stuck with it. I knew Wisconsin was home.”

A soon-to-be senior at Dexter Southfield, Watts had narrowed down his outstanding list to just three schools. He had strong offers from Clemson and Michigan, but stuck with the Badgers.

“The guys in that room (are great),” Watts said. “The mentality that they bring everyday, with how they train, with how they go about their day… (it’s impressive). It’s just kind of a brotherhood mentality that I’m entering into.”

Just a couple of years ago, Watts wasn’t even sure if he’d ever have the opportunity to continue his career in the collegiate ranks, joining Dexter Southfield’s line as a spry youngster in his days as an underclassmen.

Now?

“We’ve had lots of good (linemen),” said Dexter Southfield coach Casey Day. “I think they’re all unique in their own way. Again, Hardy is a kid who came from being a six-foot-one, 175-pound freshman, to being six-six, 300 (pound) plus. Hardy is an elite pass protector, elite athleticism for a kid his size. He kind of plays with that tenacity, and intensity that every single offensive line coach in this country wants to see. Finish blocks? Hardy does that on a consistent basis.”

So what was the main factor? What drove Watts to sign with the Badgers?

“I think he felt comfortable culturally within that locker room,” Day said. “He’s already built some relationships with the guys in that offensive line room already. He has a good relationship with Coach (AJ) Blazek, the offensive line coach, and those guys just did a tremendous job recruiting him. He didn’t take an official visit there, due to, I think, some logistical issues. So, I guess they went from the underdog to the top dog in the Hardy Watts sweepstakes.”

Watts is now looking to carry his high school on one final trip to prominence before beginning his next chapter. He hopes to carry on a rich tradition in doing so.

“I’m certainly not the first,” Watts said. “And I know that I’m not going to be the last. We have a great group of young guys in the locker room who are going to do great things. So yes, this is my moment now. But next year, it will be (someone else’s). The year after, it will be someone new. Dexter has a great tradition of developing guys into college-caliber, hopefully someday pro athletes. This is great for me, and I’m happy to be part of it.”