Former USF Football Player Dies After Stabbing

A former University of South Florida football player is dead following an attack outside an Ybor City nightclub.

Elkino Watson, 23, died after being stabbed around 2:45 a.m. Sunday, the Tampa Police Department announced in an email. According to the department, a fight broke out on the corner of 19th Street and 7th Avenue. During that fight Watson and his friend, Desmond Horne, 22, were both stabbed.

Horne and Watson were able to run for help and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Watson, however, succumbed to his injuries. Horne, police said, is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Both men are from Miami and were reportedly in Ybor City for The Orpheum nightclub’s post USF vs. FAMU after party.

Police continue to search for the suspect or suspects in the case and are offering a $3,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. Tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS.

Watson was a former defensive lineman whose career with the Bulls ended in 2014. He was a four-year letterman at the school and played 45 career games, starting in 19.

“We are deeply saddened and stunned by the tragic loss of Elkino Watson and the injuries suffered by Desmond Horne,” USF coach Willie Taggart said in a statement released by the school.

Watson leaves behind a young daughter, Taggart noted.

“Kino was a tremendous young man with a great smile and a big heart who was very much loved by our USF football family and will be sorely missed.”

Image from the USF Football Facebook page