2010 playmaker emerges from Florida

When it comes to electrifying players one of the best big play prospects from the Sunshine State in the Class of 2010 is Jaylen Watkins. Watkins, 6-1 and 172 pounds, plays quarterback, safety, cornerback and returns kicks for Cape Coral (Fla.) High School.

"He can do it all," Cape Coral head coach Mike Goebbel said. "Jaylen was kind of like our reliever for us at quarterback during the season but then I had to make him our guy in the playoffs. He will play quarterback for us again next year. But I see him as a safety or cornerback in college. He has good hands, good ball skills. This is a special kid and he has grades."

Amazingly Watkins has no offers at this time but that will soon change. He's a prospect blessed with speed, athleticism, balance and vision and he should emerge as one of the top skilled prospects from the Sunshine State before it's all said and done.

"I think my natural position is cornerback and that's what I would like to play in college. Playing quarterback and playing wide receiver has actually helped me play defense because I get a good sense of what they (quarterback and wide receiver) are trying to do.

"I just started returning kicks this past season for the first time. I kind of came easy to me. Every time we needed a big play I just told my coach to put me in back there. I just find the seam and go. I have good speed, balance and vision."

This weekend Watkins was invited to three junior days in Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Athens. He decided to go to Florida.

"I am going to Florida this weekend simply because it's closer and we don't have time to make the drive to Florida State.

"But I did grow up a Florida fan and they are my favorite team. They have so much speed and such a great atmosphere. I went to two games there this past season. The Gator fans are great too. At first they were recruiting me as an athlete but I talked with them yesterday and now they want me as a cornerback.. They are my No. 1 team."

The Gators have the early lead for Watkins but FSU, Georgia and USF are all teams he likes as well.

"My favorite player is Antonio Cromartie. He's my favorite player by far. I like FSU's style of defense and they always have good defensive backs.

"I didn't know much about Georgia until the Citrus Bowl. I went to the game to watch my cousin (Jeremy Ware, CB). I really liked how they played.

"I like USF too. I have two former teammates there (Taurus Johnson, Nate Allen). I went to their game against Rutgers and liked their atmosphere."

Cape Coral has two other standouts in the class of 2010, running back Spencer Boyd and offensive tackle Dan Koenig.

"We run the spread and Spencer's our starting running back," Goebbel said. "He also plays defense (cornerback) and that's where I think he plays at the next level. He very good, has a tight back pedal and can really flips those hips. Spencer will stick someone out there as well."

Boyd, 5-10 and 165 pounds, had a 104 yard interception return for a score this season. Koenig, 6-6 and 260 pounds, had two brothers that attended Oklahoma State. He's there this weekend for a junior day in Stillwater.

"Dan's got good feet and sits well. He has a good frame and a little nasty streak. He looks angelic but doesn't play that way."