Maryland entered the 2023 season with 19 commitments thanks to a summer flurry filling the core of its 2024 class. But after visiting for a pair of games last season, then making his way to campus twice this summer, St. Mary's Annapolis (MD) offensive lineman Davon Watkins made it back to Maryland over the weekend for his first gameday as an offered prospect.
Hours later, the 6-foot-4.5, 320-pound lineman had given his commitment to the staff fresh off their season-opening win.
"Three or four years ago, I was just watching Maryland thinking that’s pretty cool. I’ve just wanted to go to Maryland, so I’ve been working at it," Watkins told IBG. "I was able to talk to coach Braswell, coach Locksley and some of the players before they went out on the field." It was offensive line coach Brian Braswell who got the news just moments before head coach Mike Locksley learned that Watkins was in the fold, and the in-state lineman was able to connect with both. "I sat down with after the game. They were both happy, really happy." Akron, Merrimack, Monmouth, Kent State and Temple as the Terps were the lone Power Five school in pursuit. Defensive coordinator Brian Williams led the way as the area recruiter with Braswell as the position coach, getting a chance to work together back in early June at the Big Man camp. Since then, Braswell and Watkins have been able to build on the relationship outside of football but it's been Braswell's on-field craft that's resonated through the pursuit. "I feel like my relationship is pretty good with him. He basically has shown me anything that I need, I can go to him. Then football, he’s watched my film and been able to tell me what I can do better." Watkins also got a chance to reconnect with a former teammate during Saturday's visit. "I talked to my former teammate, Carson Petitbon, after the game. He was asking if I was committing so I told him too." With his commitment, Maryland has restocked its undoubted biggest position of need this cycle as Watkins becomes the eighth verbal along the offensive line this cycle. Watkins was able to keep a close eye on Maryland's current offensive line against Towson, and with his own senior season underway, he knows what he's focused on before he enrolls in College Park. "I would like to work on my pass pro and just get stronger."
Watkins is planning to sign in December and enroll in January.
Watkins is not yet rated by On3.