SIGNING DAY PREVIEW: Offensive tackle Naasir Watkins
Cats Illustrated isn't waiting until National Signing Day to get you ready for all the action. We're rolling out Signing Day content all week.
In our new Signing Day Preview series we'll profile every single one of Kentucky's 2017 early enrollees as well as those who won't be signing until Wednesday.
STATUS: Will sign on Wednesday and enroll in June.
RESUME: Watkins had a breakout senior season when he finally moved to tackle. That's where he hit his stride and became one of the better players on a characteristically talented Good Counsel squad. Previously he played out of position at tight end, where he had a subpar junior season. His coaches were pleased with his development.
RECRUITING HISTORY: Kentucky came on strong right around the time Vince Marrow first visited the DMV to check on Josh Paschal. From the time Kentucky offered until his commitment the Cats emerged as the odds-on favorite to land the three-star tackle. Pitt and Virginia were the other Power Five schools that had offered earlier in his recruitment. Around the time he set his official visit to Kentucky he was also considering a trip to Ohio.
SCOUTING REPORT: Watkins has the tools to be a solid run blocker while also possessing good potential in pass sets. His listed height and weight don't do justice to where he's at today, as Watkins has really developed his body and added good mass.
CATS ILLUSTRATED PROJECTION: Watkins will redshirt, as will the other two tackles in Kentucky's class, barring something unforeseen. But his trajectory is undeniable upwards and that bodes well. After a redshirt year and another year of development he should be poised to make a move on the depth chart to compete at tackle.
MORE NAASIR WATKINS COVERAGE AT CATS ILLUSTRATED
COACH SPEAK: Watkins is a late bloomer who could have an NFL future
| Size | Strength | Footwork | Technique | Bend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8.5/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
6/10 |
6.5/10 |
