Interview: 4-Star 2021 Louisiana RB Ahmonte Watkins Covers Season and Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

You can talk all the smack you want, talk about how you plan on shutting him down, but once the ball is in Ahmonte Watkins’ hands you better be able to back it up. The Class of 2021 running back has God-given athletic talents which translates to elite- game-breaking speed on the gridiron. The four-star Riverside Academy standout already has admirers at the next level who believe the 5-10, 173-pound, all-purpose back/athlete can make a difference in their quest for conference titles; 13 of them to be exact.

In an RNG stylized catch-up interview, I sat down with Watkins to talk about his junior campaign making the full-time switch to offense and his recruiting process that includes visits to LSU and Louisiana so far this season.

*Click link for Aug. 17, 2019, RNG interview with Ahmonte Watkins

Interview

Ahmonte, from our last talk, you know I love your speed on the field. You further showcased it this season with some amazing plays as a tailback and as a kick returner. Was there anything you were doing differently this season with the ball in your hands to make plays using your speed?

“I was cutting back more and looking for the hole.”

Something else I noticed was your ability to run through arm tackles. How did that part of your game improve during the season?

“I tried to get more strength to power through with my legs and not go down on the first hit.”

If you will, tell me how your overall game improved as a tailback both as a runner and receiving threat?

“I learned the plays faster after moving from defense to offense. I worked out with our running back coach a lo, it started coming easily to me along with the steps to get the ball. With my receiving, I worked with my older brother on routes and catching.”

Which game was your best, overall, on offense and/or on special teams?

“The Thibodaux game was my best.”

What did you do well in that one to make it your best?

“I had a kick return for a touchdown and i broke a long run down the sidelines.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?

“Tulane, Oklahoma, LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama, Liberty, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Kansas State, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia are showing interest.”

How many offers are you holding?

“Thirteen.”

Watkins’ Offer Sheet:

Colorado, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Miami, Nicholls, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Utah, and Virginia

This fall, have you taken any visits?

“Yes. I have been to LSU and ULL (Louisiana-Lafayette).”

How did the LSU visit go?

“It was good. I got to talk to the coaches. They liked my film, but said I still have some stuff to work on and that I need to get a little bigger.”

And ULL, how did that go?

“It was good as well. They got the win, that was good to see. Their coaching staff was amazing. It was fun talking to the trainers as well.”

Upcoming, do you have any planned visits?

“I know I am going to ULL this Saturday to watch their last home game against ULM (Louisiana-Monroe).”

What has you excited about returning to ULL for another visit?

“I get to go see them again, see if they can take the “dub”. Plus, I am seeing two schools that have offered me playing each other.”

I know you are a standout track guy as well. When does that start up?

“I am also doing basketball this year, probably in March.”

Which events are you planning on running this season?

“The 4×1, 4×4, 100 and 200.”

With the offseason here, what are your goals with your weightlifting and speed training?

“My goal it so hit at least 250 on bench and to power clean and squat 300. In the 100, I want to hit 10.3 or 10.2. I have to stretch more to make it happen. In the 200, I am trying to hit a 20.”

That would be amazing if you did. That is world class speed. Ahmonte, it is always great catching up with you. Thanks for your time today and good luck with track season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Riverside Academy/Watkins family; No. 7 Ahmonte Watkins in action