Florida sleeper is waiting on offers

Although nobody has offered, plenty of interest is coming for Tampa (Fla.) Wharton running back Ladre Watkins. Numerous schools are interested in the 6-foot-1, 215-pound tailback.

"Recruiting is going well," he said. "I don't have any offers yet, but I'm getting a lot of interest. I'm hearing the most from Auburn, UCF, Florida State, Middle Tennessee and Florida. All of those schools aren't saying I need to change anything. Basically, they just want to see my first couple games this season before offering."

A few of the schools showing interest have caught the eye of the Sunshine State prospect.

"Auburn, UCF, Vanderbilt and Florida State I'm interested in," he said. "I like them because when I went there the coaches were really happy to see me. I met a lot of them and got to know them better."

This summer, Watkins took visits to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida and Florida State. What impressed him about the Seminoles?

"They had 600 people there and picked 15 as the best of camp," he said. "I was one of the 15 and then they gave us a tour and we met with Bobby Bowden. He talked to us for about an hour and was real cool."

In general, Watkins is looking for a few things out of a college.

"I'd like a true coaching staff that's not going to lie to you and knows where you come from," he said. "I want good academics. I'm looking at going into sports marketing. Location doesn't really matter to me. I'll go where I have to."

The two-star prospect maintains he plans to take visits to games this fall, but isn't sure where he'll be headed yet.

Currently Watkins is in the middle of practice for the upcoming season.

"Our first game is on August 24th," he said. "We're practicing and lifting. The team is doing well and gelling.

"I'm doing well too. I'm running lower and paying attention to how I run. I'm fixing everything I do."

At fullback last season, Watkins ran for 700 yards and nine touchdowns.

He is also a track athlete for Wharton.