Buffaloes five-star 2025 WR commit Winston Watkins Jr. covers Colorado and Miami visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is something scary good happening at First Baptist Academy (Naples, Fla.) this season. The Lions added a midseason transfer in 2025 receiver Winston Watkins, and the team has been on a five-game winning streak since. The five-star Colorado commit has picked up the Lions’ offense in a hurry posting jaw dropping stats in a short amount of time.
First Baptist Academy has been hanging 40-plus on opposing Sunshine State squads during their win streak as the formation of a dynamic duo has taken place. Watkins (5-11, 182) paired with 2026 target Jayden Petit (50/844/14) have been unstoppable. In Watkin’s first five since transferring from IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) he has hauled in 38 passes for 804 yards with nine trips into the end zone.
“Our season is going pretty good,” Watkins said. “We have our first playoff game next week (vs. Evangelical Christian).”
Watkins spoke about his new offense.
“We do a lot of spread and doubles,” Watkins shared. “I’m running posts goes, comebacks, bangs, bubbles, digs – all of that kind of stuff.”
Getting the targets, Watkins is showcasing his five-star skills.
“I am showing my physical abilities, and I am showing how I can be a leader,” Watkins stated. “I am doing my job to lift everyone up to be back-to-back state champs.”
On Dec. 4, 2022, Watkins verbally committed to the Colorado Buffaloes. Holding 22 offers, teams are still doing their best to woo one of the nation’s best away from CU.
“Ohio State, Texas, Florida State, Miami, USC, Oregon, and some of the Bama players like Ryan Williams have been reaching out,” Watkins said.
Two game-day visits have been taken this season, one to experience the atmosphere at Folsom Field.
“That was a pretty good visit,” Watkins shared. “I visited for the USC game. It was fun to watch. It was fun to watch (USC QB) Caleb Williams.”
Miami got Watkins to take the trip across Alligator Alley.
“I visited Miami for the Virginia game,” Watkins stated. “That game went into overtime. When Mark Fletcher scored that touchdown, the crowd went crazy.”
Watkins continued, “That visit was pretty good. I went to the game, but I didn’t really get to talk to the coaches. We watched the game and left.”
The back and forth with the Hurricanes’ staff was elaborated upon, “Our relationship is pretty good. I am talking to them a little bit but not too much.”
The rapport with Colorado is still strong.
“Our relationship is pretty good,” Watkins shared. “I talked to them today. They are telling me to keep working so when I get there, they will win a natty.”
Last fall, Watkins was the second-leading receiver for IMG Academy behind 2023 five-star receiver Carnell Tate (Ohio State). Watkins secured 25 passes for 393 yards with a team-high 10 receiving scores.
*Click the link for the April RNG interview with Winston Watkins.