Wilkins Jr. Has Two Official Visits In Mind
Notre Dame needs cornerbacks in the 2018 class, and they could very well host one in the next couple of weeks. North Fort Myers (Fla.) athlete Joe Wilkins Jr. has the Irish close to the top of his list and is in the process of finalizing a date for his official visit.
“I spoke to Coach (Todd) Lyght a week or so ago to set up my official visit,” Wilkins told Irish Sports Daily. “I need to text him my schedule and get that setup. I plan on taking my official to Notre Dame in the next couple weeks, so I am excited to set that up.”
The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder isn’t in a hurry to take all of his official visits and only has two schools that are locks to receive a visit at this stage.
“N.C. State and Notre Dame are the only two for sure visits right now,” stated Wilkins. “I know I am going to pick up some more offers during the season, so I am saving a couple of spots for the new offers.
The Wolfpack have made a nice impression on the Florida native as they have put in the effort, but also made sure to take advantage of every opportunity to recruit the explosive athlete.
“I talk with Coach (Aaron) Henry, the safeties coach,” said Wilkins. “He is actually from around my area. He offered me a while ago, and he has been sticking it out with me. He is always calling and texting me. He actually came to my spring game and checked up on me after he offered.
“I speak with Coach (George) Barlow too. I spoke with the head coach Dave Doeren at the FAU camp. They told me I didn’t need to participate in the camp and that I needed to hang out with the staff. They wanted me to feel them out and see if I liked them. I hung out with them, and I loved the whole staff.”
It’s not a secret Wilkins could be successful on either side of the ball at the next level, and a newspaper article recently compared him to Deion Sanders.
“I definitely don’t have anywhere close to the speed he has, but maybe the athleticism I’m up there,” laughed Wilkins. “He was a four-year All-State guy. I’m not that right now, but hopefully, I can earn that accolade this year.
“Being compared to him is an honor, and it’s great.”
Wilkins will get his senior season started this weekend against Riverdale, but he’s in line for a big season if last week’s scrimmage was an indicator.
“We scrimmaged a team that went to the postseason a year ago and only lost two games,” Wilkins said. “We beat them 33-16. I had four receptions for 110 yards in the first half. I didn’t play in the second half. I had two tackles, and no touchdowns scored on me.”
The success on both sides of the ball has Wilkins torn at which position he wants to play in college. Notre Dame wants him as a cornerback, but others want to keep him on offense.
“Schools are definitely recruiting me as a receiver,” said Wilkins. “My recruitment is really split right down the middle between receiver and defensive back.
“I am still open to playing both positions.”