It came down to the wire between USC and Texas A&M for the commitment from Northwestern SAF Tamarion Watkins (6-4 201), and the long time Gamecock target decided the grass is greener in Texas. Watkins Monday announced a commitment to the Aggies handing the Gamecocks another major in-state recruiting setback. Georgia and Miami sere the other two on his stated short list.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer and secondary coach Torrian Gray recognized Watkins as a major prospect during a summer camp in 2024 and offered him shortly thereafter. He made numerous visits to USC since then culminating with his official visit in late June, the last of his four official visits.
The week before the USC visit, Watkins visited Texas A&M. He had also visited College Station for a game last October and for a recruiting weekend in March. Aggies head coach Mike Elko and his defensive staff apparently like Watkins as a linebacker in their scheme and did a good job of selling him on that idea.
Over the last two seasons, Watkins has had 148 total tackles with 6.5 sacks, four interceptions and 15 pass deflections.
Watkins becomes the 4th straight Gamecock target to commit elsewhere since their last commitment on July 2nd, and they’ve missed on seven of their last eight targets who have announced. Three of those commitments were in-state prospects.
The Gamecocks will have a chance to break that streak on Wednesday when OT Kamari Blair announces with Tennessee and Ole Miss the others on his list. And on Friday, quarterback Landon Duckworth makes his announcement with the Gamecocks the expected choice.
WTH……..and I would not let them transfer back here when they decide they’ve made a mistake in a year or two