Jachin Watkins NUC Wilmington/Jacksonville MVP Interview

Coach Schuman: What did you do to prepare for the National Underclassmen Combine?
Jachin Watkins:  To prepare for the NUC I trained during school doing combine events as well as afterschool on my own.

Coach Schuman: Have you been to the NUC before? How did you do? What were your expectations going into this years event?
Jachin Watkins:  This was my first NUC event. I received the overall Freshman MVP award. I didn’t really know what to expect but I expressed to everyone that my goal was to bring home the overall MVP and I did.

Coach Schuman: You were MVP! What are your goals now?
Jachin Watkins:  My goal is to improve my skill level by improving my 40 time; increasing my strength so my bench reps increase; and get stronger in my broad and vertical jumps. I am setting my sights on the RB MVP next time around.

Coach Schuman: How did you hear about the National Underclassmen Combine and what was your favorite part about the event?
Jachin Watkins:  I heard about it from friends and my coach and then I researched it on the internet. My favorite part was the 1 on 1’s against the LB.

Coach Schuman: If you can choose 5 schools where you would be interested in playing what would they be?
Jachin Watkins:  1) University of Southern California; 2) Univeristy of Miami; 3) Ohio State University; 4) Louisiana State University; 5) University of North Carolina

Coach Schuman: What do you like about high school football? What are your goals for your team and yourself?
Jachin Watkins:  I like the speed and pace of high school football. My goal is to earn a starting varsity spot and help my team win another state championship.

Coach Schuman: Do you play other sports? Tell me about your accomplishments?
Jachin Watkins:  Yes. I play basketball and lacrosse and run track. I play on an AAU traveling basketball team which gives me the opportunity to play against some of the best players on the east coast. I am very proud of the fact that I have a 4.25 GPA and excel in my honors classes and all areas of my academics.

Coach Schuman: What is your favorite thing about football? What makes it a great sport to you?
Jachin Watkins:  I love running the ball, the contact, and how quick the game is. I love supporting my team and hearing the crowd cheer for us. The family feel of the team and the spirit of cooperation between the team, coaches, parents and fans is great.

Coach Schuman: Tell me about your training regimen...How do you get better every day?
Jachin Watkins:  I work out during school in weight training as well as afterschool. I belong to the YMCA and work out there as well as by participating in other sports(basketball and lacrosse) to stay in shape.

Coach Schuman: What are you looking for in a college? Academically? football?Jachin Watkins:  I am looking for a college with an excellent academic program so that I can get a top-notch education and a great football program that will help me improve on my skills and propel me to the next level.

8-11th graders put it all on the line in Wilmington/Jacksonville, NC!

The Wilmington/Jacksonville combine was one of 2010's smallest, but considering North Carolina is quickly becoming a talent hotbed, the size of the fight in the dog was much larger than the dog itself.

Dominick Johnson of Panther Creek HS was the Freshman Overall MVP. During the 1 on 1's, Johnson wrecked havoc on the offense, using his good recovery speed and quick hands to bat down a number of passes. At 6'1 154, Johnson also had an 8'5 broad jump.

Steven Schaffel (Pasquotank County) used his size to his advantage during 1 on 1's, taking home the Sophomore OL MVP. Schaffel is 6'1 278 lbs of mean.

Chances are Chance Shepard (Eugene Ashley) is going to lead his team a long way. The 6'1.5 185 lb QB was the Sophomore Overall MVP and Leadership award winner. Shepard ran a 4.25 shuttle, threw a good ball, had a terrific release point and is a vocal leader. He definitely possesses the qualities of a top notch QB.

Christopher Bradshaw has terrific talent and is a dual threat running back. The 5'8.5 172 standout won the sophomore RB MVP after impressing with his 8'9 broad jump, 4.31 shuttle run, bench pressing 155 lbs 26 times and did a great job during 1 on 1's. He runs hard and has good hands, giving us little doubt that he has more than a serious ground game.

North Brunswick's Keilin Rayner, the Sophomore DL MVP and Strongest Man, is a bit light for a lineman, but has outstanding athleticism for a player at his position. At 6'2.5 210, Rayner Had an 8'10 broad jump, bench pressed 185 lbs 18 times, ran a 4.63 40 and used his slickness to his advantage during 1 on 1's. He is quick, explosive and has good hands. With a good weight program, Rayner is one to look out for.

Jevonte "King" Jones was the best sophomore athlete and the fastest man of the session. At 5'11 168, Jones had a 34 inch vertical, 10'8 broad jump and ran a 4.49 40 en route to winning the Combine King award. Jones has physical gifts that very few football players can claim.

Terrell Stanley (South Brunswick) was the DL MVP of the junior session. The 6'1 254 lb standout had an 8'6 broad jump, bench pressed 185 lbs 20 times and was a monster on the gridiron during 1 on 1's.  Stanley has solid strength and understands how to play the game.

Eugene Flowers sprung to life at the combine, winning the Junior LB MVP. The 6'0 212 lb Richmond HS star had a 31 inch vertical, 8'9 broad jump, ran a 4.51 shuttle and was consistent during 1 on 1's. As funny as it sounds, Flowers has the necessary tools to bloom into a star.