 |
| Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy cornerback Brandon Watson (image via The M Block) |
He's a 6'0", 185 lb. prospect. I have been unable to find stats for him (or teammate Freddy Canteen), but ECA played just three games last year, so they probably wouldn't be very impressive, anyway.
RATINGS
ESPN: N/A
Rivals: 3-star, #56 CB
Scout: N/A
247 Sports: 2-star, 79 grade, #120 CB
Watson was offered by Michigan when he camped in Ann Arbor two weeks ago. He sat on the offer for a little bit, and it sounded like a USC offer would have surpassed Michigan's, but the Trojans haven't stepped forward and may not. If they do, it may be a battle to keep Watson committed.
I have not been able to find any film on Watson, so I have no analysis of his skills to offer. However, he was the #1 performer at the Pennsylvania SWAG 7-on-7 tournament in April, a tournament that included Canteen, WR Chris Godwin (Penn State commit), S Montae Nicholson (Michigan offer), WR Chris Samuel (Notre Dame, Ohio State offers), QB David Sills (USC commit), CB Daquan Worley (Penn State commit), and WR K.J. Williams (Michigan offer). Here's what Rivals had to say about him in the tournament:
Whenever the football was in the vicinity of Watson, it was either getting intercepted or it was going to be an incompletion. As Flash Training worked toward another 7 on 7 title, Watson was dominant in coverage. He consistently got a good punch at the line of scrimmage in man coverage, and when playing off he closed quickly on the football. As receivers attempted double moves, Watson ran with the opposition step for step, showing great change of direction. The most impressive part of Watson's day was successfully defending a number of jump balls in the end zone against taller receivers.So take that however you want.
Michigan now has thirteen commitments in the 2014 class, and Watson is the second corner committed, joining Jabrill Peppers. Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook cornerback Parrker Westphal, Monroeville (PA) Gateway safety Montae Nicholson, and Long Beach (CA) Poly safety John "Juju" Smith are still potential options in the defensive backfield. I think Westphal is the most likely of that trio to fall off Michigan's radar, since he's been recruited as a nickel corner and may not have the coaches' confidence to play safety. Nicholson is a safety and Smith is being recruited mostly as a safety, though the coaches have said that they might work him in at receiver, too.
TTB Rating: N/A
When do you think we might hear more about Brandon, do you know of any events he might be attending this summer?
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of any planned events for these guys. Most camps and such have taken place by now, and he's not attending The Opening. Typically, there's a 7- to 14-day dead period in July where coaches can't contact their players, and most college teams have their camps in June and then vacation in July before fall camp starts up in August. In summary, I don't think we'll hear a lot more about him until his senior year starts.
DeleteHopefully they can schedule and keep a full slate this fall, then. It'd be nice if these kids had some high school stats or a record to hang their hats on. It'd also be cool to see our two get scouted more
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"He sat on the offer for a little bit, and it sounded like a USC offer would have surpassed Michigan's ..."
ReplyDeleteOver on MGoBlog they make it sound (roughly) as though he decided on Michigan, full stop. I'd agree that it's not too difficult to read between the lines and assume that he was waiting on USC, especially since, when the last ten years are considered, it's a top tier school (Kiffen and recent struggles aside for a moment).
Optional: I'm wondering if you have more inside knowledge than usual on this one, given where you live and work (which I understand to be the Mid-Atlantic area). Just curious ...
I think they get that idea from a quote where he says that he likes Michigan better after leaving USC's camp. It's in the Hello: Brandon Watson post.
DeleteDoes this mean no Parrker or Adoree? D:
ReplyDeleteI have my doubts about whether Westphal would have a spot now, unless the coaches think he can play safety. But we're not getting Adoree' Jackson, whether Watson committed or not.
DeleteYou think so? He seemed enthusiastic about Michigan, and was very excited when he got the Michigan offer.
DeleteTrack appears to be a huge obstacle between Jackson and Michigan. He likes the football program, but Michigan's not going to get him to the Olympics.
DeleteI know this has nothing to do with Watson's commitment, but do we know who's starting at Safety this year? I thought I heard it was going to be Dymonte Thomas.
ReplyDelete