4-Star Florida commit arrested after altercation with female HS student
Justin Watkins, one of the top incoming football recruits for the University of Florida, was jailed on Wednesday after an altercation with a female in which he allegedly kicked her car and destroyed her phone.
The incident actually occurred last week, but according to the Orlando Sentinel, Watkins was arrested Wednesday afternoon.
The four-star recruit allegedly followed the girl, who is a fellow high school student, from a residence to a gas station, per his arrest affadavit.
At the gas station, Watkins exited his vehicle, got a hold of her phone and proceeded to smash its screen by throwing it on the ground, the affidavit said.
She then drove to Vanguard High School in Ocala, Florida, and Watkins allegedly followed her in his car even though he doesn’t attend the school.
After they arrived at the school, surveillance video showed Watkins kicking her car several times, according to the affidavit. He was allegedly trying to take the air out of one of the tires, but she eventually got him to stop and he then drove off.
Watkins was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor count of “trespass upon grounds of a public school facility,” the affidavit said.
He was booked at Marion County Jail late Wednesday afternoon, then released early Thursday morning after posting a $500 bond.
Watkins has tweeted once since being released, as he replied to a message from Trevon Grimes, who transferred to Florida from Ohio State late last year.
https://twitter.com/laamar_05/status/994736017235218432
Florida head coach Dan Mullen released a statement regarding Watkins’ arrest, via SEC Country.
“We are aware of the incident with Justin and are still collecting information,” Mullen said.
According to 247 Sports, Watkins is ranked as the 16th-best wide receiver in the class of 2018 and the 89th-best overall prospect.
Even though he was a receiver in high school, Watkins is listed as an “athlete” by Florida and is expected to see time on defense.
Mullen recently spoke about Watkins switching to the other side of the ball, and said he even has a chance to be a starting cornerback come fall.
“Justin and I talked the other day. I think he might start at corner,” Mullen said.
Watkins had enrolled at summer school at Florida and was expected to arrive on campus in early June.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
