Eddie Watkins wants to play in the NFL, and he believes Georgia Tech great Marco Coleman can help in his quest. That was among the reasons why the defensive end from Evergreen, Ala., gave his commitment to be a part of the Yellow Jackets’ 2020 signing class.
Watkins committed Monday, following his return from the Tech spring game on April 26, becoming the 12th prospect to commit to Tech for the 2020 class. On his visit for the spring game, he spoke with coach Geoff Collins and further developed his relationship with Coleman, the Jackets’ defensive ends/outside linebackers coach and a 14-year NFL veteran.
“He used to be in the league and I’m thinking he knows what it takes to get there,” Watkins said. “I know he can get me there. It’s good football (at Tech); power-five football.”
Watkins is a three-star prospect rated the No. 44 prospect in the state of Alabama and the No. 51 weakside defensive end in the country (247Sports Composite). At the time of his commitment, he had scholarship offers from Middle Tennessee State, Tulane, Florida International, Troy and others.
Watkins announced his offer from Tech on March 29. It was his first offer from a power-conference school. It followed safeties coach Geoff Burton’s visit to Hillcrest High, and then a visit to Tech from Evergreen, a small town about 90 miles northeast of Mobile directly above the tip of the Florida panhandle. (Watkins said that “you can call in the country.”)
Watkins made the trip in late March with teammates, including four-star linebacker Cameron Riley and three-star cornerback JaCobee Bryant, both of whom had already been offered by Tech.
Watkins said that coaches remarked that he was bigger than they thought and took his measurements (which is customary). Watkins is 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds.
“I can’t remember my wingspan, but they were like, it was really long,” Watkins said.
Watkins indeed does have a long reach, a valued trait for Tech prospects. On his highlight video, he seems to envelop ballcarriers. Coleman called the next day with an offer, Watkins said.
Tech sees him as someone who can play outside linebacker rushing the passer or also as a defensive end who can play out of a three-point stance, Watkins said.
Since his commitment, he has announced two more power-conference offers, from West Virginia and Purdue. There will likely be more to come.
About the Author
