Texas A&M recruiting has been picking up for the lack of any other Aggie sport going on in the month of June, with Mike Elko and company looking to secure a possible top overall class if they are able to bring in some of these players with which they've been heavily involved.
While the Aggies are squarely in the mix for more than their fair share of five-stars, notching two already as commitments in Brandon Arrington and Tristian Givens, there are some solid talent identification jobs that we've seen this staff do as well. Some have caught on and undercut the Aggies, as Ohio State did with Aaron Thomas earlier this month, but the Aggies have secured most of them.
One such underrated player that the Aggies could be picking up in the near future is Rock Hill, SC, ATH Tamarion Watkins. A big-bodied safety prospect, Mike Elko and company could use Watkins as a linebacker and defensive back hybrid if he does indeed end up signing with the Aggies. With this one coming down to the wire, Watkins has announced that he'll be making his decision public soon.
Texas A&M ATH target Tamarion Watkins sets decision date as Aggies, Gamecocks battle
Texas A&M's main competition here is the in-state South Carolina Gamecocks. Rock Hill is essentially a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, but Columbia is only about an hour and change away, and the Carolina presence is still strong.
Four-star safety Tamarion Watkins is down to South Carolina and Texas A&M -- and will make his college commitment on July 14
— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) June 27, 2025
"Now that I've had a great time at all of these places, I've narrowed it down. I'm focused on two"
More from Watkins: https://t.co/5wSaqs8Wd9 pic.twitter.com/MoCISgzWfW
With Shane Beamer and company having narrowed in on Watkins as one of their top prospects as well, this one is coming down to the Aggies and Gamecocks. There haven't been many direct battles between these two on the trail, but A&M would seem to have the higher overall profile and ability to win out.
That said, don't sleep on the hometown factor. Even if Watkins pledges to the Aggies, South Carolina will keep after him hard until signing day. Making this kind of move won't be easy, but Mike Elko and company have snagged pledges from all across the nation this cycle— hopefully, when Watkins announces on July 14, he'll join those ranks.