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Notre Dame Football Recruiting

Full Story: Irish Check on 2019 ATH with SEC Offers

May 12, 2017
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East Nashville Magnet School (Tenn.) is a familiar place for Notre Dame fans, as it is the home of 2017 linebacker Jacob Philips, who was a top target for the Irish a few months ago.

Notre Dame was back at East Nashville Magnet School this week, but this time it was to check on 2019 athlete Jashon Watkins.

“They wanted to stop by to check on me and see how I was doing this spring,” Watkins told Irish Sports Daily. “They also wanted to know when I would be stopping by Notre Dame this summer.”

The 6-foot-4, 180-pounder has visited South Bend and has started to develop a strong relationship with the Notre Dame staff.  

“It’s a close relationship,” stated Watkins. “The coaches and I try to talk every week, so it’s a good relationship right now. I speak to Coach (Mike) Elston the most, but I have spoken with Coach (Clark) Lea too.”

Watkins will see a lot of programs in the coming months, but a visit to Notre Dame is a priority along with trips to Clemson and Florida.

“I am trying to stop by for the Irish invasion camp in June,” said Watkins. “I want to come up to chop it up with the coaches. I might get up for a Junior Day too.”

The Nashville native holds early offers from Florida, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.  Watkins almost committed to the Gators after an April visit but decided to wait a little bit longer.

“I liked it a lot,” Watkins said of the trip to Gainesville. “They treated me like I was part of the family. I planned on staying there for a day, but they invited me back for the next day. I ended up staying for two days and saw a lot.

“I got to go to the classrooms and see what the classes were like at Florida. I got to see a lot of things I wanted to experience in college.”

The recruiting process is just heating up for Watkins, but he does know a few things he wants in a school and Florida hit those marks.

“I know what I want to see in a school, but I am still young, so I am looking at everything,” Watkins explained. “I want to see a family atmosphere. I also want to see what the school can do for me and what I can do for them.

“I am looking at what I could major in and what the classes would be like too.”

When it comes to an actual position, Watkins doesn’t even know what position he will play in college. The two-way star can make an argument to play either side of the ball and is listening to all pitches.  

“Coaches see me playing a little bit of everywhere,” stated Watkins. “Some see me as a cornerback or safety, but then others see me as a wide receiver. As of right now, I don’t know what position I want to play in college.  I will play anything as long as I play at the next level.”  

Watkins has set himself up to be a national recruit and has taken advice from Phillips on how to handle the stressful process.

“Jacob is like a big brother to me,” said Watkins. “He has told me not to make a decision too early and to weigh everything out. He advised me to enjoy the process, and that’s what I am doing.” 


 
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