The recruitment of one of South Carolina's top in-state porspects is coming to a close on Monday afternoon. Tamarion Watkins, a four-star defensive back from Rock Hill's Northwestern High School, will announce his college decision today at 2 p.m. ET. The standout for the Class of 2026 will choose between South Carolina, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Miami. All four programs hosted Watkins on official visits this summer.
All are welcomed!!!@NHSTrojans @NHSTrojansFB pic.twitter.com/ARrispIOyl
— Tamarion (T.Wat) Watkins (@Tamarion_Wat1) July 2, 2025
Watkins is rated the No. 335 overall prospect, the No. 32 safety, and the No. 8 player in South Carolina for the Class of 2026 recruiting cycle according to the 247Sports Composite. In Watkins junior year, he totaled 75 tackles, eight for loss, 2.5 sacks, and three interceptions. His stats make him one of the most versatile and productive DBs in the state of South Carolina. As Shane Beamer and his coaching staff stack the roster for 2026, Watkins possesses the kind of power and versatility the Gamecocks need.
The Gamecocks, led by defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, have been heavy on the DB from the beginning, building a relationship that runs deep from Rock Hill to Columbia. And the Gamecocks are hoping that long-term connection pays off today with a commitment to the program.
— Tamarion (T.Wat) Watkins (@Tamarion_Wat1) July 7, 2025
“The home state school, man,” Watkins told The State. “Been showing love the longest. I just can’t get enough of the coaching staff. Coach (Shane) Beamer, Coach Gray, Coach (Jaylan) Foster, all those guys—just love them and love what they see in me.”
The South Carolina Gamecocks would love to keep Watkins' talent in-state, and Gamecock Nation will see if that is what they can do when the decision is made this afternoon.