Scouting Report: What LSU Football Is Getting In Jelani Watkins

LSU reeled in a commitment from four-star wide receiver Jelani Watkins Friday afternoon as Brian Kelly and his staff continue an impressive run on the recruiting trail.

Watkins, a speedster in the 2024 cycle, gives the Tigers another monster weapon moving forward. With a variety of talented wideouts in its arsenal, LSU now brings a player with elite-level speed into the mix.

Wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton has been on a savvy recruiting run over the last three months, adding different elements with each commitment. Now, Watkins is the latest to pop and reveal his pledge.

A look into what LSU is getting in the four-star receiver:

Superstar Speed

It’s easy to watch film and see the explosiveness Watkins attains, but his top-end speed is what sticks out like a sore thumb. When in open space, it’s nearly impossible to close the gap and take down the elite-level wideout.

Watkins boasts impressive numbers on the track. He’ll be a two-sport athlete for the Tigers and his success in track has translated to the gridiron. With legit 10.3/100m speed, the newly committed Tiger can flat out run.

LSU could see Watkins thrive in the slot moving forward while utilizing him in a variety of ways. It’ll be intriguing to see how Kelly and Co. use Aaron Anderson this season given Watkins could come in and fill a similar role with an even higher gear of speed.

Solid Hands, Improving Route Running

Watkins is still growing as a player and hasn’t even reached that next level on the field. He’s a raw talent still with a high ceiling. The speed he attains gives him an advantage with the ball in his hands, but continuing to strengthen his hands will take him to the next level.

A Top-180 prospect in the country, Watkins has flown up recruiting rankings over the last few months, but he’s nowhere near what he’s capable of. As a route-runner, there is still work to be done for the youngster.

With another year of high school to polish his game, the next six months will be critical in his development before making his way to Baton Rouge. Watkins has the chance to be special in LSU’s system and provides the Tigers with a dynamic wideout moving forward.

Interesting 2024 WR Haul

Watkins is pledge No. 4 at the wide receiver position in the 2024 class, joining Kylan Billiot, Michael Turner and Joseph Stone. It’s an interesting haul to this point with Billiot being the only true X receiver the Tigers have pledged.

Watkins, Turner and Stone will be a trio of fast-paced wideouts that will be primarily used in the slot moving forward. All three can fly with the ball in their hands and it’ll be intriguing to see how they’re used once in Death Valley.

All four bring a different element to this wide receiver room and Coach Hankton continues elevating his group’s status. It’s an interesting but impressive group LSU has reeled in and the sky’s the limit to what the quartet of speedsters is capable of.