UK lands commitment from LB Watson

Kentucky is one step closer to a finished product in the 2016 recruiting class with Jamar Watson's Monday decision.

The 6-foot-3, 218-pound outside linebacker from Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara tweeted out that he had committed to Kentucky early Monday evening. He is commitment No. 22 for the Wildcats, meaning space is entirely taken on Kentucky's commitment list.

That Kentucky's coaches would use a scholarship on Watson this far away from Signing Day and after landing a verbal from Kash Daniel, also a linebacker, is an endorsement of how they feel about him.

"I told the coaches (about his commitment plans) around Friday, I want to say," Watson told Cats Illustrated.

The relationship started in the spring when receivers coach and 'DMV' recruiter Tommy Mainord visited Bishop McNamara and watched Watson work out. He was impressed with the raw potential and physical upside of the player, who has only played high school football for one year.

"He saw my tape and he was very impressed," Watson said. "That's when the relationship really blew up. We've talked almost every day since then. Our relationship is very good. He was a big part of my commitment."

Watson visited Lexington on July 18 when the Wildcats had a camp and a passing tournament taking place. Watson did not participate, however, but the coaches were still willing to accept his commitment.

"I met almost every coach. The only coach I didn't talk to was Coach (Andy) Buh because he wasn't there. He had his tonsils removed so he couldn't come in to talk," Watson said. "But when I talked to him on the phone as soon as he could he told me he liked my size and my upside. He sees a lot of upside in me. He can't wait to get his hands on me and teach me things. He sees a bright future."

Buh's relationship with Watson is important because he will be his position coach at Kentucky.

Kentucky's coaches told Watson they plan to take 23 players from the 2016 class so if that holds true then there's just one vacancy remaining.

When Watson visited in July he was able to spend time with Jabari Greenwood, who is from his part of Maryland. He also connected with Jason Hatcher and Kobie Walker, another former Maryland recruit. Watson has spoken with current UK commitment Drake Jackson as well.

Beyond that, he's also familiar with 2017 targets Joshua Paschal and Mohamed Ibrahim, both four-star recruits from Maryland who visited on Sunday.

Boston College, Virginia and Old Dominion had offered Watson earlier in the recruiting process. Rutgers and Maryland were among the others that had expressed interest.

Watson said his plan is to enroll next summer.