The Wisconsin Badgers have a running back for their class of 2018 and yet another from the Lone Star State.
Austin, Texas (Westlake) recruit Nakia Watson verbally committed to Wisconsin on Saturday, he announced via Twitter. BadgerNation.com’s Ben Worgull first reported the commitment, and there were reports from last night by BadgerBlitz.com’s Jon McNamara that an unspecified recruit had given his verbal commitment already.
Watson initially announced UW’s offer back in mid-May and didn’t take long to verbally pledge to the Badgers. He is ranked a three-star prospect by 247Sports (composite and standalone), Rivals, and Scout.
All three scouting services put the running back between 5’11 and 6’0 and between 210 and 220 pounds, a good size for a running back back who boasts in his Hudl profile that he can squat 525 pounds, deadlift 550, bench 350, and clean 290.
According to Scout, Watson also held offers from SMU, Bowling Green, and Nevada, among others.
From B5Q’s article on Watson being offered last month:
Watching Watson’s Hudl highlight film, his ability to break tackles and bounce off defenders is immediately evident. 247Sports lists him at 5’11, 212 pounds, with Rivals at 6’0, 220 pounds, so he has the frame to accumulate yards after contact easily.
Watson also shows the ability to make receptions out of the backfield. Combine that with what appears to be the speed to not have defenders catch him in the open field and he’s an intriguing, under-the-radar prospect.
Watson’s commitment might not be the last of the weekend for Wisconsin, as a flurry of visits has Madison on commit watch.
[Update, 6:50 p.m. CT — BadgerNation.com’s Ben Worgull first reported Watson’s commitment]