Watkins picked for Army game
The festive atmosphere in the Cape Coral High auditorium Thursday did little to spark an outpouring of emotion from Cape Coral High senior Jaylen Watkins. That’s not his way.
It’s his composure and focus on the football field that his coaches, teammates and supporters have come to appreciate, as well as his humble demeanor off the field. They expected nothing less as Watkins received his latest accomplishment.
The Seahawks’ standout quarterback/defensive back was selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which will be played Jan. 9 in San Antonio.
The announcement came during an assembly Thursday. The latest stop on the U.S. Army Bowl’s Selection Tour.
“This is the granddaddy of all high school all-star games in our country,” Seahawks coach Mike Goebbel said. “What makes it very special is how humble and grounded Jaylen is even with all this recognition.”
Watkins is only the second Lee County football player to participate in the game, joining former North Fort Myers and current West Virginia standout Noel Devine.
Watkins is one of the nation’s top 90 high school football players to be featured in the game. He was chosen by the selection committee, which consists of the game’s producer SportsLink, Rivals.com and recruiting expert Tom Lemming.
The annual East vs. West matchup is televised on NBC at 1 p.m. on Jan. 9.
During the assembly, the Cape High drum line performed, as well as the cheerleaders, who may be selected as the cheerleaders for the East squad during the game.
U.S. Army soldiers tossed out miniature footballs to the student body.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m like a 12 excitement right now,” Watkins said. “I just know that I’ll represent my school the best way I can.”
Watkins thanked the student body, teachers and faculty that were present at the ceremony and those that have helped him along the way.
He had several family members in attendance, including grandfather, Rev. Samuel Watkins, and mother, Brandy Green.
Along with Watkins, Goebbel is invited to San Antonio to attend the bowl game-week activities, including the coaches academy, which features NFL and college coaches.
The announcement comes on the eve of the Seahawks’ showdown against Ida Baker for the District 4A-12 title Friday night at Dave Warkentin Stadium. The Seahawks are off to an 8-0 start this season.
Watkins has been a versatile player over his four years, contributing mostly as a defensive back and receiver his first two years, before getting a chance to play quarterback as a junior and senior.
It’s during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl that several of the elite players make their college selection, but Watkins already has given his commitment to attend the University of Florida.