'12 GA DT Jordan Watkins (Verbal Offer/ Stanford LOI)

[DirtySecret]

Defensive Tackle
Woodward Academy (College Park, Georgia)

Links of Interest:
Rivals Profile (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Jordan-Watkins-101459)

Ht: 6 foot 5
Wt: 260 lbs
Forty:
Bench Max:
Squat Max:
Shuttle:
Vertical:
GPA: 3.7

Multimedia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBN4ldz1lNA

[irishunclebill]

Watkins picked up an Irish offer today which brings his offer total to almost 20. Other schools to offer him include Arkansas, Ga. Tech, Miami, UNC, Purdue, USCe, Stanford, Tennessee, and Vandebilt, with interest coming from Bama, UGA, and UF.

[DirtySecret]

Watkins picked up an Irish offer today which brings his offer total to almost 20. Other schools to offer him include Arkansas, Ga. Tech, Miami, UNC, Purdue, USCe, Stanford, Tennessee, and Vandebilt, with interest coming from Bama, UGA, and UF.

He's already at 260. You think the staff has him projected at defensive tackle? He's a pretty big boy in his highlights.

[zimmsbg78]

Auburn has verbally offered.

[zimmsbg78]

Florida and UGA have both verbally offered.

[zimmsbg78]

http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/03/02/woodward-academy-dl-jordan-watkins-approaching-30-offers-with-uga-invite/


The first scholarship offers for Jordan Watkins began rolling in more than a year ago when he was still a sophomore at Woodward Academy. But one he’s always hoped for didn’t come until this week.

The University of Georgia offered Watkins a scholarship on Tuesday via an avalanche of letters in his mailbox from multiple coaches. The Bulldogs’ invitation was No. 28 of what is now 29 opportunities (Florida followed suit Tuesday night).

But if Watkins is annoyed about having to wait on UGA, he isn’t showing it.

“I don’t question them at all,” Watkins said of fielding 27 offers before Georgia’s finally came. “I’m sure they’re trying to make sure they offer the right person nowadays. When I say that, I mean with a great academic and athletic background. So I had no problem waiting.”

Watkins certainly fills the bill both athletically and academically. At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, the defensive tackle is considered among the top prospects in the state for 2012. I included him among my “Tentative Top 10“ recruits for 2012 and he was named second-team Class AAA All-State after recording 61 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and six sacks for the Eagles (10-2) last season.

Watkins’ academic numbers are just as impressive. He sports a 3.7 grade-point average while taking college preparatory classes at the prestigious Atlanta private school.

“It’s a huge plus,” Watkins said of his academic success.

Georgia tends to be one of the more deliberate programs around when it comes to dispensing scholarship offers, especially when it comes to in-state prospects. Generally the Bulldogs don’t distribute them in earnest until this time of year, about 10 or 11 months before the next national signing period. They are approaching 50 offer extensions at this point, according to Scout.com’s prospects database.


While Watkins is just getting his offer now, he said Georgia has been recruiting him for a long time and he has a well-established relationship with the coaching staff, including head coach Mark Richt.


“I knew they liked me,” he said. “But them offering feels great and is a huge blessing. I’d definitely considering going there. It’s a great school for broadcast journalism and communications, which are the two majors I’m considering.”

But for Watkins, there are no bad options. Georgia Tech, a school he grew up following closely, offered him last fall. He has opportunities at great academic institutions such as Duke, Notre Dame, Stanford and Vanderbilt. And he has offers traditional football powers such as Florida, LSU, Miami Oklahoma, Penn State and Tennessee.

Understandably, Watkins is a long way from narrowing his choices.

“I’ve been busy with basketball and school lately so I haven’t had time to [determine] favorites,” he said.

For Watkins, patience is also a strongsuit.

[zimmsbg78]

Bama has verbally offered.

[zimmsbg78]

Video interview with Jordan..............http://ohiostate.scout.com/2/1058847.html (free)


COLLEGE PARK, Ga. - Jordan Watkins is one of the most highly recruited prospects in Georgia and he talks offers, when cuts will come, keys to decision, and more in this interview.

This is Part I of a two part interview with Jordan Watkins. The 6-foot-4, 265 pound defensive lineman out of Woodward Academy has over 30 scholarship offers and he is not far from making his first cut.
In Part I, here are some subjects he addresses:

- Recent visit to Georgia Tech
- How he balances recruiting with everything else
- How he has grown as a leader
- How he is handling the process
- When he saw himself truly becoming a top recruit

[zimmsbg78]

Video interview with Jordan part 2..........................http://notredame.scout.com/2/1060697.html (free)


Jordan Watkins is pushing 6-feet 5-inches tall and closing in on 270 pounds. He is a well-rounded student-athlete that has it all together.

He discusses many different subjects here in the second and final part of this one on one interview.

[IrishFan123]

Coach Martin payed him a visit today.

[Purebred Irishman]

http://www.irishsportsdaily.com/recruiting/notre-dame-football-recruiting/4651-jenkins-feels-martins-presence


The Notre Dame staff has hit the road recruiting and although the coaches aren’t allowed to talk with the recruits on their high school campuses, their presence alone says plenty.

Irish recruiting coordinator Chuck Martin has been in Georgia this week and on Tuesday, he saw defensive end/linebacker prospect Jordan Jenkins at Harris County High School in Hamilton, Ga.

“He came and watched my spring practice,” the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Jenkins said. “He came to the whole practice. He was talking to my head coach and the line coaches.”

Jenkins’ father, Ronald, thought it was important to see Martin at the school so soon.

“It’s real big in Jordan’s eyes as well,” Ronald Jenkins said. “They’re the first coaches to come down and see him since spring football started. Them being the first ones there, that left an impression.”

[zimmsbg78]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=6562589 (free)


Sleeper lineman at Woodward Academy

Woodward Academy's Jordan Watkins, an ESPNU 150 Watch List member, is one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. He's a small mountain at 6-5 and 270 pounds and is approaching 40 offers.

Woodward Academy coaches expect Watkins to narrow down his school list soon. They also said he plans on visiting Oklahoma, Ohio State, Florida State, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Stanford and LSU this summer.

Jordan has been visited by coaches from ND, Florida, Clemson, Wake Forest, Auburn, Oregon, Bama, Virginia Tech and Duke. Jordan plans to use all five OV's before coming to a decision.

[zimmsbg78]

Jordan has trimmed his list to UGA, ND, Miami, OU, Stanford, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, scUM, Nebraska, LSU, Florida, FSU, Tennessee, Illinios, Bama and Oregon

[zimmsbg78]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=6613896


ATLANTA -- Jordan Watkins (Atlanta/Woodward Academy) is almost too good to be true. He stands 6-feet-5½ and weighs 270. He plays the coveted defensive tackle position. Watkins carries a 3.6 GPA. He's wanted by teams from everywhere in the country, from the SEC to Stanford to Notre Dame and everybody in between. He's the total package.

"Jordan is such a good player," former Woodward Academy head coach Mark Miller said. "He's so big, has great feet, and he plays with a motor. Off the field, he's such a great kid who gets very good grades that's very mild-mannered. On the field, he's a completely different person. He has so much potential it's frightening."

This wasn't always the case with Watkins. Not that he wasn't always a good kid who did well in school; he just wanted to play another sport. That sport was basketball. Then early in his high school football career it all changed for Watkins.


"I never saw myself playing in the NBA. In middle school and ninth grade, basketball just seemed to be easier and more fun to me," Watkins said.

"There just came a point where I really loved all aspects of the game, including football practice," Watkins said. "I think it was sophomore year because it was my first year on varsity and I got the full experience of what football really means in high school. I just enjoyed it so much."

Perhaps no coach at Woodward Academy knows Watkins better than Matt Brennan, the defensive line coach. He saw a transformation in Watkins during his sophomore season. Since then, there has been no looking back.

"Jordan was huge and an overweight ninth grader and then lost his baby fat," Brennan said. "Jordan wanted to be a basketball player not a football player. Sometime his sophomore year he realized football was his thing. Ever since then he has really turned it on. He got some early scholarship offers and that gave him motivation. He has great feet and unbelievable hands. He can pursue the ball and run sideline to sideline. He has everything a college looks for in a defensive tackle. But the best part about Jordan Watkins is that he's so coachable."

Watkins also has a mean streak, something you would never see out of his football uniform.

"I can't explain it," Watkins said. "It's just that playing the best game in the world gets me so pumped and energized. When I hit that field, something clicks, and I'm just in a zone that I don't come out of until the game is over. I'm rowdy and extremely energetic. It seems like the bigger the stage the more I get away from that mild-mannered personality."

Watkins is now making his final run with Woodward Academy. He just finished his last spring practice before he enters his senior campaign. He knows he has flaws, but Watkins has worked hard this off-season to make his game even better.

"My biggest improvement came with leadership," Watkins said. "That was first and foremost on my list. I will be a senior and I will be a captain. Everyone is looking up to me and I have to do the right thing. My leadership has to be elevated.

"Spring ball went well. We now have a new head coach. We got a lot in and had good energy and a good spring."

The new coach is John Hunt. Hunt played for the Florida Gators and spent time in the NFL. He's also a former offensive line coach, most notably for Steve Spurrier at Florida, the Redskins and South Carolina. Despite only being at Woodward Academy for a very short time he loves what he sees in his captain.

"It's a new situation for me to have to look up at someone," Hunt said. "Obviously, Jordan has tremendous size. I have had a short tenure here, but I see he prides himself on being a leader and being a real good player. He was voluntarily working out on Tuesday in our weight room. He knows what it takes. We only had 10 days of spring practice, but you can tell he's a great player who makes plays. I saw it this spring and I saw it on tape. We are having him play offensive tackle as well and he didn't bat an eye about it. This kid really competes."

Watkins doesn't mind the extra position. In the end, he knows he's just helping his team. While he could have an extremely bright future on offense, he wants to be a great d-tackle.

"Offensive tackle is going well," Watkins said. "I have a familiarity with the plays although some have different names. I am getting it down.

"As a defensive tackle I have great size. My wingspan is 6-11. I have long arms and that really helps me out. Now I have to play with an even better motor. I want to make the play before anyone. I think I am good stopping the run and rushing the passer. I can even play defensive end."

The big question now for Watkins is where will he be playing college football? He recently trimmed his list to 16 schools after getting nearly 40 scholarship offers. They are: Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, Miami, Stanford, Notre Dame, Oregon, Michigan, Oklahoma, Alabama, FSU, LSU, Nebraska, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Illinois. All have offered except the Ducks and Wolverines.

"This summer I will only get to five or six schools," Watkins said. "I will go to Florida and Miami in a week or so. I have seen Georgia and Georgia Tech. There's no guarantee, but I want to see Stanford, Notre Dame and Oklahoma this summer. I will use both the official and unofficial visit to help me come to a decision. Right now I am using the unofficial visit to get a better understanding of each school's academics. I want to major in broadcast journalism. I will use the official visit to get a better understanding of the football programs."

While we know academics will play a huge role in the Watkins' decision there are other important football factors that will be key as well.

"I know you have to work hard for playing time but that's important," Watkins said. "Tradition is important. I know these schools have that. Support from alumni is huge. Football has to be a big deal. The relationship with the coaches is a must. Right now I have no timetable and I don't want to rush the decision. I want to make the right choice."

[mcbri014]

First he cancels his ND visit, now has a top 7 without ND.

Top 7- Bama, Florida, Georgia, GT, LSU, Miami, and Stanford. Look for Bama or Florida to be the major players.

ESPN insider

[IrishFan123]

First he cancels his ND visit, now has a top 7 without ND.

Top 7- Bama, Florida, Georgia, GT, LSU, Miami, and Stanford. Look for Bama or Florida to be the major players.

ESPN insider

Now top 8 with ND in it

[IrishFan123]

http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/06/27/jordan-watkins-trims-to-8-uga-alabama-florida-lsu-miami-notre-dame-oklahoma-stanford/

Jordan Watkins trims to 8: UGA, Alabama, Florida, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford


On Notre Dame: “I’ve got a pretty good relationship with the coaches. I’d say Notre Dame was the last school to get in. It was really seven schools for me. I kept thinking about it. After talking more with the coaches, I decided to keep them in there and see if I can get an official in there somewhere. It’s the same thing about Notre Dame as Georgia — great education and, at the same time, they play some pretty good football.”

[DirtySecret]

http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/06/27/jordan-watkins-trims-to-8-uga-alabama-florida-lsu-miami-notre-dame-oklahoma-stanford/

Jordan Watkins trims to 8: UGA, Alabama, Florida, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford

In other words, he's not that interested..

[zimmsbg78]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=6728839 (free)


Why is Jordan Watkins called Big Fella?

It's his size, right? He's 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds.

Nope.

The true meaning of Watkins' nickname is actually much more cerebral.

"Actually, the name started out having absolutely nothing to do with his size," Watkins' mother, Phyllis Watkins, said. "Jordan is a very bright person, very quick, especially in math and science. He would pick up things so quickly. At first, I started calling him 'Big Brain.' That just sort of evolved into 'Big Fella.'"

Young Jordan was so bright that his family decided to send him to Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., just before his third-grade year. It was obvious; Jordan needed to be challenged.

The plan worked. Aside from being a standout student, Watkins mastered the violin and piano, and when the school asked him to switch instruments, Watkins agreed to play the bass this year for Woodward's symphony orchestra.

Now it's time for the ESPN four-star defensive tackle (Class of 2012) to assume his next challenge -- college.

"We want him to go somewhere where he can get a balanced education, where he can grow creatively as well as academically," Phyllis Watkins said. "Wherever that place is, that's where we want him to be.

"Of course, we know he wants to play football, so we want to find a place that balances all of that."

Jordan Watkins said Georgia, Miami and Florida are in the forefront of his mind. He's also considering Alabama, Notre Dame, LSU, Oklahoma and Stanford. To no one's surprise, schooling will be a major factor in his decision.

"I know football isn't going to last forever," he said. "I want to make sure I go to a school that will set me up for life after football."

Watkins already has that life planned out. He wants to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. But not just as a former-athlete-turned-analyst. Think more Mike Tirico than Craig James.

"It would be cool to be around sports even if I'm not playing them," said Watkins, who admits to providing play-by-play while he and his friends play video games. "I thought broadcasting would be a good way to go."

Which is why the Bulldogs, Gators and Hurricanes have topped the list.

Watkins said he likes the journalism school in Athens, calling it one of the best in the country. He and his family have also grown close to defensive line coach Rodney Garner.

However, there is a real concern. Coach Mark Richt's job security has been a very public issue. If there's a coaching change, those relationships will be lost.

"I'm hoping Coach Richt has a good year," said Watkins, who plans to announce his decision after his senior season.

Then, there's Florida. Watkins toured the Gainesville campus recently and was impressed by the broadcasting school that showcases various alums, including ESPN personalities Erin Andrews and Andy North, among others.

"I was greatly impressed by all the resources they have," Watkins said.

As for Miami, it has an emotional pull. Watkins' cousin, Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson, played for Miami from 1999 to 2002. Even though the two aren't close, Watkins feels a connection to the school and the area because of family members who live nearby.

There is also the advantage of being close to one of the largest cities in the country -- a nice bonus for a budding young broadcaster. Football, however, is a bit of a concern after a recent coaching change and nearly a decade of struggles.

"I know they've had struggles here and there … but I've been following coach Al Golden and what he's been doing, cleaning house a little bit," Watkins said of the first-year Miami coach. "He's been bringing back all the alumni players … He brings a feel that Miami is about to do something again and be a national powerhouse like Miami was before."

Distance from home doesn't seem to be a factor for the Watkins family whatsoever.

"If Air Tran and Delta can get there, we're fine," Phyllis Watkins said with a chuckle.

Jordan Watkins will take his time this fall to evaluate his suitors on and off the field. With one coach on the hot seat and two schools having undergone recent coaching changes, performance will be key.

Watkins will -- no doubt -- make an informed decision.

"We wanted a well-rounded person," Phyllis Watkins said. "We wanted a good person who could play football, not just a football player."

They got it.

[zimmsbg78]

http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/08/17/dt-jordan-watkins-narrows-down-to-3-uga-florida-and-stanford/


Jordan Watkins, one of the state’s top college football prospects at defensive tackle, started off the recruiting process with 35 schools. The Woodward Academy football product narrowed it all the way down to three on Wednesday.

Which schools are the finalists? It’s UGA, Florida and Stanford.

Scratched off the shortlist are Miami, Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame and Oklahoma.

“It’s those three because they are all great schools athletically and academically,” Watkins told the AJC. “That helped them stand out among the top eight. Of course, with some of the other schools dealing with NCAA allegations (Miami), that made it a little easier to get to three.”

UGA fans have been vocal about feeling pretty confident about their chances of landing Watkins. What does Watkins think about that? “They should feel like that because they are in my top three. I started out with 35 schools and now I’m at three, so that’s something definitely for them to be happy about. But it’s really going to be a tough decision between these three because they are all great schools.”

The 6-foot-5, 268-pound Watkins said he plans to take official visits to all three schools within the next three months, but he will wait until after his senior season to announce his college decision. “I’m focused on my high school team now and trying to win a state championship,” Watkins said. “I won’t have time to think about and decide on a college until the season is over.”

[IrishFan123]

Between UGA and Stanford

[zimmsbg78]

http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1105730.html (free)


Jordan Watkins is now ready to end the process. He will commit to Georgia or Stanford on Tuesday.

Jordan Watkins is a four-star defensive lineman out of Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga. and he is ready to end the recruiting process.

On Tuesday September 13 at around 12:30pm EST, the 6-foot-4, 265 pound senior will commit to Georgia or Stanford.

He is from the Peach State and he just visited Georgia over the weekend and he has a former teammate Henry Anderson playing at Stanford.

[zimmsbg78]

Stanford.

Decent defensive class for the cards so far.

[KamaraPolice]

Stanford.

Decent defensive class for the cards so far.

you mean for the card? right?