The trending 6-foot-4, 201-pound prospect recorded 29 solo tackles, 47 overall tackles, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery for 10-0 5A Northwestern during the regular season. Meanwhile, his stock has continued to rise on the recruiting trail. South Carolina was the first Power Four program and second overall FBS program to offer him following Charlotte on June 15, 2024 after he turned in a solid camp performance on June 15.
Wake Forest, Texas A&M, Alabama, and mostly recently, West Virginia on Dec. 1, have now offered. He was in Columbia for the Gamecocks' game against Old Dominion on Aug. 31 and for the game against the Aggies on Nov. 2. He was at the Aggies' game against LSU in College Station on Oct. 26. Watkins was in the locker room after the A&M game, where he was able to get to know potential future teammates and get a better feel for the program behind the scenes.
Showing a number of Power Four traits, he is very physical, rangy, and has good technique in coverage. Watkins place well in space and has good ball skills. He has been a hybrid at Northwestern this season. Watkins has lined up as rush end and linebacker and linebacker, playing as in between the tackles and stopping the run, covering the boundary, and finishing tackles well.
Here is what he had to say about USC's 17-14 win over Clemson. "I thought it was a great win for the Gamecocks. LaNorris played amazing today. As a defensive guy, it was great to see the game end on an interception. This was a huge game for the Gamecocks, and they responded well to adversity."
