Watkins brothers will be in the house

By KEITH McGONIGLE
ClemsonInsider.com

Clemson’s receiving corps, which has been a weak spot for the Tigers this year, may become the Tigers’ biggest strength next year.

With many young, up-and-coming receivers already on the roster and highly rated receivers Charone Peake, Martavias Bryan, and Adam Humphries verbally committed, the future looks very bright for the Tigers.

But there is still one receiver that coach Dabo Swinney hopes to land—South Fort Myers standout Sammy Watkins.

The highly rated prospect says Clemson is still one of the schools he is considering.

“I’m looking at Clemson, Miami, Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan, USC and Florida,” Watkins said. “There is no leader—they are all the same.”

How is recruiting going?

“It’s all right,” Watkins continued “I haven’t really been talking to many coaches. I have been focused on football and school.”

The 6-foot-2 speedster (4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash) has visited Clemson twice—he has not watched a game—and likes what he saw.

“Nice town, good school and good academics,” Watkins said.

What makes Clemson different?

“I just liked the coaches and players and the surrounding town,” he said.

Sammy’s biggest factor when choosing a school?

“The most important thing is academics and all the schools I am looking at are pretty good academic-wise,” Watkins continued. “The other things that are important are being able to play as a freshman, the town, the people and the coaches.  I think I have a good chance to play as a freshman at all the schools I am looking at right now.”

Watkins says that he is not sure when he will be making his decision but is considering announcing it at the Army All-American Game in January. He is going to talk everything over with his parents before deciding a school.

Watkins has been dominating in his senior year—over 900 yards receiving, 40 catches and 14 touchdown. South Fort Myers is 10-0 and is ranked No. 7 in Class 3A heading into the playoffs that begin Nov. 19.

Watkins plans on visiting Florida this weekend to see the Gators take on the Gamecocks. His half-brother Jaylen is a freshman cornerback for the Gators.