NSD Profile: Jamar Watson
Jamar Watson is a bit of unknown to most Kentucky fans, even those who follow recruiting on a regular basis.
The Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara linebacker is well-known to the coaches in Lexington, however.
Recruiting Rewind
Watson's commitment wasn't completely out of nowhere. Cats Illustrated had reported on Kentucky's interest in him much earlier in the recruiting process. Then-wide receivers coach Tommy Mainord had visited Bishop McNamara while he was recruiting in the 'DMV' and came away impressed by Watson's physicality and athleticism.
From there Watson did everything he could to set up a trip to Kentucky, and shortly after that trip finally happened he made it official with a verbal commitment.
Before that commitment Watson picked up offers from Boston College, Old Dominion and Miami-OH, so while he wasn't exactly an unknown to other schools he didn't have a larger than life recruiting profile, either.
Scout Speak
Watson has a high ceiling and although that's cliche it's also very true. It's also true that Watson has a ways to go in terms of becoming more football-savvy and developing a feel for the game and also the kind of player he will be.
After all, Watson has only played two years of organized football. Still, it's a good sign that he's put on weight so easily (up from 218 pounds to 230 in a year's time). He's got a good frame and could eventually carry 240-245 pounds, with the strength to take on blockers and the lateral quickness, hips and speed to run with hybrid tight ends and all purpose backs in coverage. He's legitimately that kind of athlete if he puts it all together.
Setting the Bar
Because Watson is so new to football it's entirely reasonable to expect a redshirt and a continued learning curve that lasts even beyond that. That's just standard operating procedure with someone in those circumstances.
But it's fair to say that Watson probably has one of the higher upsides in the class, and in that respect should be classified as a player that could develop into someone special if he continues to fill out and grasps the game mentally.