'14 TX DB Nick Watkins (Notre Dame Signee)

[IrishSpartan]

Is it me or does he look nothing like his thread picture

 

[GoIrish399]

Is it me or does he look nothing like his thread picture

I think he's #6. #24 is Starks

 

[Ricochet]

I think he's #6. #24 is Starks

There is no think he is #6,
Quick is # 4 and Starks wearing number # 24.

 

[GoIrish399]

There is no think he is #6,
Quick is # 4 and Starks wearing number # 24.

Alrighty then, he is #6.

 

[stlnd01]

You better believe it

He should have arrived tonight

UND.COM - University of Notre Dame Official Athletic Site - Football



him and Michiah's coach tommorow morning

Just curious. Is that some backdoor way to get recruits on campus for unofficials?
I mean, I'm sure these guys are big-time HS coaches with interesting things to say, but it's also a convenient way to get some elite recruits from halfway across the country into town for a visit. Who pays the kids' airfare?

Edit: I just noticed Starks' coach is a speaker, too.

 

[STLDomer]

 

[Golden Glory]

Is that a verbal commit at the bottom?

 

[ThePiombino]

Is that a verbal commit at the bottom?

Nope. Just playing the social media game.

 

[Redbar]

Man I hope he enjoyed his visit, wish we had a little bit better weather. This young man can play. Any updates on his visit?

 

[STLDomer]

 

[yankeeND]

Confucius say ND gave Watkins plenty to think about. Yankee say stop thinking more committing!

 

[KyfightingIrish36]

Was there any update after his visit? Seems like he really enjoyed it.

 

[clashmore_mike]

Was there any update after his visit? Seems like he really enjoyed it.

Haven't seen anything on ISD or 247. Maybe he's still on campus or on his way home and hasn't talked to anyone yet?

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/jake_brown">jake_brown</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Rivals250">#Rivals250</a> CB Nick Watkins on <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23NotreDame">#NotreDame</a> visit: "It's definitely a great college." More here ($): <a href="http://t.co/V37BH6CPsM" title="http://bit.ly/133PPea">bit.ly/133PPea</a></p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/status/323526844110491648">April 14, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/jake_brown">jake_brown</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Rivals250">#Rivals250</a> CB Nick Watkins recaps an extended unofficial visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23NotreDame">#NotreDame</a> in this full update ($): <a href="http://t.co/QpCfjbDrLr" title="http://bit.ly/1153yyk">bit.ly/1153yyk</a></p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/status/323545170907889664">April 14, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[clashmore_mike]

Pretty, pretty, pretty good update with quotes on ISD.

 

[CanadalovesND]

I'd assume we are taking 1-2 CBs this year, and it looks like we are out of the race for Tony Brown and Jabrill Peppers (just my assumption), so is he and Adoree our top priorities at CB?

 

[Grahambo]

Pretty, pretty, pretty good update with quotes on ISD.

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

Nick Watkins, CB, 6-0, 180, Bishop Dunne Catholic School, Dallas, TX had heard much about Notre Dame and wanted to see it for himself. The four-star prospect was expecting to be just another college so he was not prepared for just how special the university was.

“I’m not going to lie because it really did exceed my expectations,” admitted Watkins. “I honestly thought it was just going to be a regular place where there’s not much to do, but it really was a great place and it totally blew my mind. I went up there with Michiah Quick and Nate Starks and we all really liked everything. I really enjoyed the practices, the coaches and the players and it really seemed like they have a great family atmosphere up there.”

Watkins took advantage of his time in South Bend to learn more about what it’s like to attend Notre Dame. He figured there were no better people to describe the experience than those that play his same position, Bennett Jackson and Keivarae Russell.

“I basically hung out with all the corners and safeties,” he explained. “They really spoke very highly about the school and everything that goes on there. I already think highly of Notre Dame and I really think I could fit in. I really love how the fans support the team and the coaches have very high expectations up there. I just like how everybody’s nice and respects you, but at the same time they expect a lot out of you.”

Watkins got the opportunity to speak to his recruiter, Cornerbacks’ coach Kerry Cooks. Cooks and Watkins discussed how the talented Texan would be used.

“Coach (Kerry) Cooks, who recruits my area, is really a great coach and he said I could play either cornerback position for the team,” he related. “Coach Cooks and Coach (Bob) Diaco said they think very highly of me and my skill set, so I really do appreciate that and I’m just going to keep working harder to get better.”

Watkins desire to get better could be bad news for receivers since his skills have already led to over twenty offers from such prestigious schools as Notre Dame, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M and UCLA. With so many offers to choose from, Watkins is in no hurry to make a decision. Still, his visit to South Bend did strengthen Notre Dame’s position with him.

“I’m not in a hurry to narrow anything down or rush anything,” he stated. “I’m just going to sit back and take a look at everything just to make sure I make the right decision when it comes that time. Even though I haven’t named any favorites, I will say that Notre Dame has moved themselves up quite a ways on my list.”

Recruiting Week in Review

 

[BeauBenken]

I was assured by his coach during the clinic that Nick was certainly having a good time. Glad Coach Johnson wasn't just trying to flatter me.

His coach is a good guy, and I'm sure Nick is as well.

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

Notre Dame football recruiting: Watkins' ND visit a pleasant surprise - southbendtribune.com
Nick Watkins expected to see a typical college atmosphere and a couple ho-hum spring practices when he visited Notre Dame earlier this month.

Accompanying his coach for a four-day visit during Notre Dame's coaches clinic, Watkins quickly learned better.

"Going in, I thought it was just going to be a regular school and a regular place," Watkins said. "But all the players were all hype. I thought nobody was going to have personality. But everybody had personality. Everybody takes pride in the team. Everybody's behind the team."

Reflecting on his visit, the four-star junior cornerback from Bishop Dunne Catholic in Dallas had nothing but positive things to say about the Irish program.

"It was a great visit. The coaches were excited to see me and it was exciting being up there around the players and the coaches and seeing the facilities for the first time," Watkins said. "Stepping in the stadium, it was a great experience."

The longer visit gave Watkins a chance to learn about every aspect of the school and its football program. Coming from a Catholic school, Watkins said Notre Dame reminded him a lot of his educational environment back home.

"I could definitely see myself up there," Watkins said.

So impressed was the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Watkins that he's already penciled Notre Dame in as a recipient of one of his five official visits, even though he doesn't have any other visits planned. Watkins owns offers from Texas, Alabama and Stanford, among a host of others, but isn't showing his hand when it comes to favorites.

"I'm definitely interested in all of them. Just taking the process slow and taking it all in. It only happens one time," Watkins said.

Watkins' impression of Notre Dame was heavily based on the interaction he had with coaches, players and even fellow recruits while visiting South Bend.

He has long been in touch with Irish cornerbacks coach Kerry Cooks, who doubles as his regional recruiter in Texas and potentially his future position coach.

"Coach Cooks is a great man. Our relationship is really good," Watkins said. "I talk to him probably every week or two weeks."

He was able to observe Cooks in action while coaching the cornerbacks that Watkins will consider joining. He spent plenty of time getting to know Bennett Jackson, Lo Wood and KeiVarae Russell during his visit as well.

Watching Brian Kelly lead the program through multiple spring practices left Watkins with a favorable impression.

"Coach Kelly, he's definitely a player's coach. He'll do anything for his players," Watkins said. "He knows where he wants the program to go. He doesn't want his players to make bad decisions. He's a father away from home."

Watkins wasn't the only highly-touted recruit on campus while he visited. Running back Nate Starks and wide receiver Michiah Quick made long visits with their high school coaches as well. Watkins, ranked as the No. 11 cornerback by 247Sports.com and No. 13 by Rivals.com, was able to relate to them through the recruiting process.

"It was real cool. Michiah was a real cool dude and Nate was a real cool dude," Watkins said. "Both of them definitely have talent. Wherever they go, they're going to make plays."

Watkins said he isn't close to a decision, but he's keeping track of the factors that will sway his mind in the long run.

"Probably just education first, where I can get the best degree that carries weight to find a job when football is over," Watkins said. "And where I can go make a difference, have an opportunity to play and just fit in the environment."

After his first visit to Notre Dame, the Irish have solidified themselves as contenders for Watkins.

Staff writer Tyler James:
tjames1@sbtinfo.com

Copyright © 2013, South Bend Tribune

 

[koonja]

Notre Dame football recruiting: Watkins' ND visit a pleasant surprise - southbendtribune.com
Nick Watkins expected to see a typical college atmosphere and a couple ho-hum spring practices when he visited Notre Dame earlier this month.

Accompanying his coach for a four-day visit during Notre Dame's coaches clinic, Watkins quickly learned better.

"Going in, I thought it was just going to be a regular school and a regular place," Watkins said. "But all the players were all hype. I thought nobody was going to have personality. But everybody had personality. Everybody takes pride in the team. Everybody's behind the team."

Reflecting on his visit, the four-star junior cornerback from Bishop Dunne Catholic in Dallas had nothing but positive things to say about the Irish program.

"It was a great visit. The coaches were excited to see me and it was exciting being up there around the players and the coaches and seeing the facilities for the first time," Watkins said. "Stepping in the stadium, it was a great experience."

The longer visit gave Watkins a chance to learn about every aspect of the school and its football program. Coming from a Catholic school, Watkins said Notre Dame reminded him a lot of his educational environment back home.

"I could definitely see myself up there," Watkins said.

So impressed was the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Watkins that he's already penciled Notre Dame in as a recipient of one of his five official visits, even though he doesn't have any other visits planned. Watkins owns offers from Texas, Alabama and Stanford, among a host of others, but isn't showing his hand when it comes to favorites.

"I'm definitely interested in all of them. Just taking the process slow and taking it all in. It only happens one time," Watkins said.

Watkins' impression of Notre Dame was heavily based on the interaction he had with coaches, players and even fellow recruits while visiting South Bend.

He has long been in touch with Irish cornerbacks coach Kerry Cooks, who doubles as his regional recruiter in Texas and potentially his future position coach.

"Coach Cooks is a great man. Our relationship is really good," Watkins said. "I talk to him probably every week or two weeks."

He was able to observe Cooks in action while coaching the cornerbacks that Watkins will consider joining. He spent plenty of time getting to know Bennett Jackson, Lo Wood and KeiVarae Russell during his visit as well.

Watching Brian Kelly lead the program through multiple spring practices left Watkins with a favorable impression.

"Coach Kelly, he's definitely a player's coach. He'll do anything for his players," Watkins said. "He knows where he wants the program to go. He doesn't want his players to make bad decisions. He's a father away from home."

Watkins wasn't the only highly-touted recruit on campus while he visited. Running back Nate Starks and wide receiver Michiah Quick made long visits with their high school coaches as well. Watkins, ranked as the No. 11 cornerback by 247Sports.com and No. 13 by Rivals.com, was able to relate to them through the recruiting process.

"It was real cool. Michiah was a real cool dude and Nate was a real cool dude," Watkins said. "Both of them definitely have talent. Wherever they go, they're going to make plays."

Watkins said he isn't close to a decision, but he's keeping track of the factors that will sway his mind in the long run.

"Probably just education first, where I can get the best degree that carries weight to find a job when football is over," Watkins said. "And where I can go make a difference, have an opportunity to play and just fit in the environment."

After his first visit to Notre Dame, the Irish have solidified themselves as contenders for Watkins.

Staff writer Tyler James:
tjames1@sbtinfo.com

Copyright © 2013, South Bend Tribune

Ummm, Whiskeyjack, educate this kid!

 

[KyfightingIrish36]

Just tweeted #GoldenDomer ?

 

[NDdomer2]

Would be glorious, however, most likely just having fun on twitter.

I do hope our D recruiting picks up. Seems like we are in a really really good place as far as Offense goes:

1 stud RB, 2 big time OL with two looking like possible commitments sooner rather than later and sitting well with Smith.
Plenty of WR targets with interest at this stage in the game plus Brent and Weishar.

Defense? I think we have interest needed but how much of it is the interest level of Bars and Nelson?

We have a nice base on DL with Trumbetti and Hayes and a solid LB in Greer but a lot of spots left on this side of the ball.

 

[Redbar]

Just tweeted #GoldenDomer ?

This would be a HUGE get also. Would continue the elite-ness of the Golden Army.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Would be glorious, however, most likely just having fun on twitter.

I do hope our D recruiting picks up. Seems like we are in a really really good place as far as Offense goes:

1 stud RB, 3 big time OL with two looking like possible commitments sooner rather than later and sitting well with Smith.
Plenty of WR targets with interest at this stage in the game plus Brent and Weishar.

Defense? I think we have interest needed but how much of it is the interest level of Bars and Nelson?

We have a nice base on DL with Trumbetti and Hayes and a solid LB in Greer but a lot of spots left on this side of the ball.

What did I miss?

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I'm really hoping Nick pulls the trigger for ND.

 

[CanadalovesND]

What did I miss?

Quenton Nelson and Alex Bars.

 

[GEORGIA DOMER]

Just tweeted #GoldenDomer ?

was the ? in there or did u add it?

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Quenton Nelson and Alex Bars.

Right, but am I wrong in thinking that we only have two current OL commits? I wasn't sure if that was a typo by the op, or if I had missed something. I'm assuming our OL class could potentially look like Byrne, Mustipher, Bars, Nelson, and possibly Smith...correct?