M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1984
Preston Watts came to Memphis from Nashville in the early 1940s, and was well on his way to a record-setting career when World War II erupted. Watts, who received Little All-America honors in 1941 and 1942, served as the Tigers’ team captain in 1942. “Kill-O” Watts, as he was known by his teammates, set several U of M punting records, which still stood upon his Hall of Fame induction in 1984. His 52-yard punting average over nine attempts against Union University is the best single game average in Tiger history. Watts has the fourth longest kickoff return in Tiger history thanks to his 93-yard return against Troy in 1940. His 90-yard interception return against Middle Tennessee also ranks fourth in Tiger history. Watts scored over 100 points in his career at Memphis. Following service with the Marine Corps in World War II, Watts became an official in the SEC and worked for 20 years. He was the first Memphis athlete to become a Southeast Conference game official and is a past president of the SEC Officials Association. Watts officiated every major bowl game with the exception of the Rose Bowl. He was a member of the Board of Greater Memphis State and was on the committee for the construction of the Liberty Bowl. He worked in the insurance business for over 30 years.
