The Gamecocks already have one big commitment from the Rock Hill area in J'Zavien Currence, and now the defensive staff have their eyes set on four-star defensive back Tamarion Watkins.
Watkins, a standout at Northwestern High School, recently revealed his final four schools to choose from: South Carolina, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Miami. According to On3's Industry Ranking, he's the No. 33 safety, and the No. 6 player in South Carolina.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 201 pounds, Watkins is a presence on the secondary with his size and physicality. He has even drawn interest as a linebacker, specifically from Georgia earlier in the recruiting process. Regardless, of how schools project him on their roster, Watkins is a dynamic defender with excellent range, athleticism, and tackling ability. He is also a contributor on the offense for his high school squad, but his future in football lies on the defensive side of the ball.
South Carolina has long been considered a frontrunner in Watkins' recruitment, but the final decision is far from over. He is scheduled official visits with all four finalists this summer, with an additional visit to Alabama, however it remains unclear whether he will follow through with that trip.
Visit Schedule:
- May 30: Alabama
- June 6: Georgia
- June 13: Texas A&M
- June 20: South Carolina
Watkins' June 20 visit to Columbia will come at the end of three straight weekends of visits to SEC powerhouses, putting pressure on the Gamecocks coaching staff to make a lasting impression.