PORT HURON — For the second time in three days, a Port Huron Northern high school football player signed a letter-of-intent to play at the NCAA Division I level.
On Friday, Dec. 5, it was Lincoln Watkins’ turn.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end officially committed to the University of Kentucky during a ceremony at Northern High School.
“It feels great,” Watkins said. “It’s been a long time going through this (recruiting) process. I’ve known that it’s going to be wrapping up soon, and that I had (already) decided, but to actually get it done — this is kind of the big kaboom to know that (the wait) is over.
“So, I’m excited for the next step. It’s been a blessing. (I’m looking forward to) going to Kentucky and representing Port Huron Northern.”
As a senior this past season, Watkins finished with 45 receptions for 713 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran for 134 yards and eight touchdowns on 35 attempts.
Defensively, at linebacker, Watkins totaled 45 tackles, two interceptions and one blocked punt.
In 2024, after his junior season, the two-way starter was named to the Michigan Sports Writers all-state first team for Division 1-2. The 2025 all-state teams will be released later this month.
“It’s just surreal watching his dream come true,” said TJ Watkins, who is Lincoln’s father. “(Our family) is excited for the next chapter.”
“This is the culmination of the last seven years — (all) the highs and lows,” said Jeanne Watkins, Lincoln’s mother. “We’re just so grateful that (Lincoln) has this opportunity, and for the support that we’ve had along the way.”
As Lincoln made his commitment official, he was seated between TJ and Jeanne. Extended family, friends, coaches, teammates and a hundred or so Northern students were there as well.
“(The support) means everything,” Lincoln Watkins said. “It just shows what this community is really about.”
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @BrendenWelper.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Lincoln Watkins signs letter-of-intent with Kentucky football
Reporting by Brenden Welper, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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