Like many athletes in this state, Brian Watters dreamed of spending his college career playing for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Instead, he’ll close out his career playing against them.

Watters — a former multi-sport star at Rome High — is a fifth-year senior at the University of Central Florida, where he has produced an outstanding career and is currently the team’s top receiver.

Watters will be among the central figures for Central Florida on Friday when the Knights face Georgia in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.

The game is likely to be a surreal experience for Watters — and for his family, too.

Most of his relatives are Georgia fans. Or at least they were, until Watters’ career took him to the Sunshine State.

“God works in mysterious ways,” said Brian’s mother, Michelle, on Wednesday night. “Brian grew up rooting for Georgia, and always wanted to go there to play football.”

Watters instead landed at UCF — and the Knights’ coaches and fans are sure glad he did.

After red-shirting his freshman season, Watters has been an impact performer the past four seasons, including leading the team in receptions as a sophomore and again this season.

The speedy wideout has hauled in 41 passes for 594 yards this year, and leads the team in virtually every receiving category.

“We are so proud of Brian, and what he has done at (UCF),” said Michelle.

And she wasn’t just referring to his on-field accomplishments, but also his work in the classroom and on campus.

“I am not just saying this as his mom, but he truly is a fine young man,” said Michelle. “He has always been a great person, from birth through now. He has never caused me and his father (Michael) any problems, and he has stayed out of trouble.

“The fact that he has stayed in school and earned his degrees — we just could not be prouder of him.”

Needless to say, Watters would savor the opportunity to cause problems for the team he once cheered for.

And if he does, it’s sure to create a big stir among his personal cheering section — a large collection of friends and family who are making the drive to Memphis.

“There are about 30 of us going, and we are very excited,” said Michelle. “We are going to be there in big numbers.”

Watters has been all about big numbers this season.

He is averaging 14.5 yards per catch, and has hauled in five or more passes in three games this season, including a season-high six catches against N.C. State.

So, it is a safe assumption that Georgia’s defense has spent a good deal of time this week figuring out ways to try to contain Watters.

And that alone might be more gratifying than his original dream of playing for the Bulldogs.