OL Watkins has a timetable for a commitment

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3-star offensive lineman Howard Watkins from Cincinnati (Ohio) Colerain has four schools in mind, and he plans to make his final decision on his birthday on Oct. 29.

A top Illini target, Watkins visited Illinois earlier this summer. He liked what he saw on the trip.

“I like Illinois a lot,” Watkins said. “They offered me in June. I’ve already visited Illinois with my dad and my uncle. We loved everything about it.”

The Illini staff has made Watkins a priority. Watkins got to spend time on his visit getting to know head coach Lovie Smith and his potential position coach Luke Butkus.

“If went to Illinois, I could play for Lovie Smith,” Watkins said. “When I saw him, I was in awe. It was unreal. You think about Coach Butkus and what that name means to college and pro football. It’s first class there right now.”

Watkins has been a two-way player at Colerain, but he is focusing on offensive line this season. That’s where his future is at the next level.

Four programs stand out for Watkins. He names Cincinnati, Louisville, Illinois, and Rutgers on top.

“All four of those offers are great for me,” Watkins said. “It’s going to be a tough decision for me when I have to finally make it.”

The NFL experience on the Illini staff is definitely something Watkins has taken note of. His ultimate goal is to play professionally.

“I just want a program that can help get me to the next level and a coach that breeds NFL players,” he said.

In one of the top matchups in the Midwest, Colerain opened the 2016 season with a big win over Warren Central 31-28 at Nippert Stadium in the 19th Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.

Watkins helped his team rush for 206 yards in the win. Colerain was ranked No. 7 in the nation by USA Today heading into the season opener.