Schools to Watch After 2018 ATH Justin Watkins Decommits from LSU

LSU lost a prominent member of its 2018 recruiting class when stud athlete Justin Watkins backed off his pledge to the Tigers, according to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. 

The 6’0”, 165-pounder out of North Marion High School in Citra, Florida, had been committed to the Tigers for nearly 10 months before reopening his process.

LSU isn't completely out of the running with him, but his desire to check out the other schools interested in him led to his decision to open things up.

"I want to open up all my options," Watkins told Bartow. "My mom is an LSU fan, and I grew up liking them. I felt I made an early decision the day I got that offer and want to visit other places and see how everything is there, too."

Watkins, who is the nation’s No. 2 athlete and the No. 15 player overall in the 2018 class, according to 247Sports, has 13 reported offers to date.

So what is next for one of the top rising juniors from the Sunshine State?

Let’s take a look at some of the schools to watch in Watkins’ recruitment moving forward.

Auburn

The next visit on tap for Watkins will be to Auburn this weekend for the Tigers' junior day, per Bartow.

Auburn also has the benefit of having former LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele—who is plenty familiar with Watkins from his days in Baton Rouge—taking over the same post on the Plains.

The Tigers have yet to offer, but there is clearly mutual interest with both parties since a visit has already been set.

Auburn could become a huge factor in his recruitment if it offers and if his visit goes well this weekend.

Clemson

Another out-of-state program that could become a contender for Watkins with an offer would be Clemson.

As Bartow noted, the defending ACC champions join fellow power Florida State as the two teams who have been pushing the hardest for Watkins.

Clemson has fared well in landing elite talents from the state of Florida under head coach Dabo Swinney.

If the Tigers can get Watkins on campus in the coming months, they could be in position to land another explosive athlete out of the Sunshine State.

Florida

The last program to host Watkins on campus was in-state power Florida.

The Gators hosted Watkins for their junior day at the end of January.

Another factor that could help head coach Jim McElwain and his staff keep Watkins close to home is the fact that they landed his former prep teammate, 4-star receiver Freddie Swain, in their 2016 class.

The Gators have hosted him several times, and their proximity to his hometown could be an asset that helps them land the talented two-way standout in the end.

Florida State

Following his visit to Auburn, Watkins will end the month of February with a trip to Tallahassee to visit Florida State.

As Chris Nee of Noles247 reported, Watkins was last on FSU’s campus for the Seminoles’ win over Miami in October.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff already offered Watkins in December.

With his reopening his recruitment, the ‘Noles have a shot to establish themselves as one of his front-runners by wowing him on his upcoming trip.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani