Jelani Watkins speaks out on LSU, his recruitment
One of the top targets for the LSU football staff in the 2024 class is Klein Forest (Texas) wide receiver Jelani Watkins.
The Louisiana native moved to the Lone Star State just before middle school, but as he enters his senior season, the four-star prospect still has a close eye on the Tigers.
Watkins returned to Louisiana for an LSU official visit
Watkins and his family made an official visit to Baton Rouge to close out the month of June, giving the Tigers his lone official visit of the month.
“June was good because I had time to evaluate some stuff,” Watkins told The Bengal Tiger.
“It was a good official visit, for sure. I had gotten to see some of my people, and being around the players again was cool. It was just good vibes from everybody. It feels like home when I go back.”
Growing up in New Orleans, Watkins said he – like most Louisiana recruits – hoped one day playing for the Tigers would be an option.
“It’s a great feeling (having an LSU offer),” Watkins said. “Growing up, I always wanted to go there. Now that I’m being recruited, I can’t really have a favorite and not pay attention to anyone else. I knew I had to give everyone a shot.”
Texas A&M is among the teams still standing
Watkins recently named a top four of LSU, Texas A&M, Arkansas and Texas.
Following his official visit to LSU, Watkins said he now has a date circled for an official visit to College Station.
“I have the official visit to Texas A&M set for July 28 weekend,” he said. “The main coach I talk with is (TAMU assistant head coach Elijah Robinson). When I talk with them, it’s mostly about how they would utilize me.”
Track (and football) will be key in his decision
One of the key catalysts to Watkins’ recruitment is the ability to join not just a football program, but also a track-and-field team. During his official visit to Baton Rouge, the LSU staff laid out a plan for him to do both.
“I really want to be able to run track and play football,” Watkins said. “When I was at LSU, I was with (LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton) and (LSU track-and-field coach Bennie Brazzell), and we went over it all. They had made a schedule for me for both sports. They showed me how I could be with each team, so that was cool. I also got to watch the track team practice.
“I want to be able to run the 100-meter and 200-meter, and I could run the 4×4 if they needed me.”
As for LSU’s pitch on the football field, utilizing the four-star’s speed was at the center of the discussions.
“It is pretty much the same stuff I do at Klein Forest,” Watkins said. “It wouldn’t be a drastic shift. Whatever they need me to do, I am going to play that spot.”
Decision coming soon for the LSU target
When it comes to making a college decision, Watkins said he plans to have things finalized ahead of his senior season this fall.
“Right now I would do it at the beginning of August before my senior season,” he said. “I still have to think about (the date).”
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) still favors LSU as the NCAA’s dead period rolls along in July.
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