The Gamecocks lost out on another major target on the recruiting trail. Four-star safety Tamarion Watkins has officially committed to Texas A&M, choosing the Aggies over his home-state school as well as Georgia and Miami during a ceremony in Rock Hill on Thursday afternoon.
A product of Northwestern High School, Watkins is ranked the No. 335 overall prospect, the No. 32 safety, and the No. 8 player in South Carolina for the Class of 2026 according to rankings by 247Sports. Watkins is one of the most productive defensive backs in the state of South Carolina.
In Watkins' junior season at Northwestern, he recorded 75 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and three interceptions. His versatility is showcased on the field both as a downhill defender and ballhawk in coverage. He took an official visit to each school, but ultimately Texas A&M left the biggest impression.
Watkins was considered a priority target for South Carolina, with defensive backs coach Torrian Gray leading the recruitment. Head coach Shane Beamer and safeties coach Jaylan Foster also made personal impressions during Watkins' multiple visits to Columbia.
“The home state school, man. Been showing love the longest,” Watkins said earlier this week about South Carolina. “I just can’t get enough of the coaching staff... just love them and love what they see in me.”
Missing out on Watkins is a setback for the Class of 2026 for the Gamecocks, but the coaching staff remains heavily involved with other defensive back targets as recruiting heats up this summer.