Elite defensive back down to two with decision coming soon

Over three dozen schools have offered Kenyatta Watson, the No. 13-ranked cornerback in the country out of Loganville (Ga.) Grayson. He was at one time committed to Florida State, but he re-opened his recruitment January 7.

Since then, he's been all business. Watson is not a fan of being the center of attention, so he takes visits only to schools he is serious about and he may not be far from a decision now.

"I am really looking forward to making a decision and being able to slow down with the phone calls, dealing with the interviews and just being able to focus on my team," said Watson.

"I just want to settle down and get back to focusing only on training and getting ready for next season. I am sure yet when I will be making a decision, but it will be pretty soon. I am getting close."

The long and rangy defender who did not allow but a handful of receptions on him all of the 2017 season has cut his list to two schools. He is now focused on Notre Dame and Texas.

"It is going to be one of those schools whenever I feel I am ready to commit. They both are strong in education and football, so I feel I can do well at both schools.

"I can see myself at Notre Dame and Texas for the next three to four years, so it will be a very tough decision."

Watson has visited each of his finalists in 2018 and he may return to South Bend and Austin once more before he reaches his decision. He may need it based on the way he is feeling right now.

"It is really a lot of back and forth between the two schools," said Watson. "I think about Texas, then it is Notre Dame, so it is not one school over the other right now.

"I talk with my family about it and both schools look very good. Each has what I am looking for, I have not made up my mind yet."

Former Irish defensive back Todd Lyght has played a big role in Notre Dame's recruitment of Watson. Him being the player that he was in South Bend helps the two relate.

"Coach Lyght has been where I am and he has been where I want to be. He has played in the Super Bowl, he has played in the Pro Bowl, he has been recruited, so he is a big part of why Notre Dame is one of my top schools.

"The education and what it can do for you is big also. It can take you a long way."

The Longhorns are using what they have put into the NFL as their pitch. When you combine that with his relationship with the coaches and the degree they offer, it puts Texas right in the thick of this race.

"I want to major in Kinesiology and Texas has that, so I like that a lot," said Watson. "I like their educational program and football program overall.

"When you look at statistics, they could be called DBU too. They have produced a lot of great defensive backs and coach [Jason] Washington thinks I could be one of those guys. He really likes how I could fit into their secondary."

Now, Watson is searching deep for that feeling that tells him which school is right for him. He wants to have the recruiting process behind him, so as soon as he has that feeling, he will commit.

When that will be is the question.

"I can't say when yet," said Watson. "If I knew, I would be committed already. I think it will happen soon, but I don't know how soon."

At this time, Watson has an official visit to Notre Dame scheduled for April 6 and then one to Texas April 27.