Iowa Football Offers Jaylen Watson

Michigan Athlete Earns Opportunity at Sunday's Hawkeye Camp

'24 Toledo (OH) Central Catholic ATH Jaylen Watson. (Photo - Watson Twitter)

Jaylen Watson impressed the Iowa Football coaches during Sunday's Hawkeye camp. So much so, that the Big Ten school offered the Class of 2024 Michigan athlete, who has inside knowledge of the program from family. 

His uncle, Fred Russell, starred at running back for Iowa back in the early 2000s. 

"He's told me nothing but great things about the Hawkeyes from the coaching staff to the fan base and students on campus," Watson told HN. "I'm sure it would be a great choice to play my college ball at." 

Watson (5-11, 175) impressed the Iowa coaches with his running ability. 

When preparation and hard work come together great things happen! #BPJ

40 time: 4.47 pic.twitter.com/PMXdE93Ktj

— Jaylen “Big Play Jay” Watson (@JaylenWatson11) June 5, 2023

"Iowa loved my speed; also, how well I’m able to move around with my feet and hips. I don’t let my speed just take over my body. I’m able to control it fluidly," he said. 

Watson stands out on both sides of the ball at Toledo (OH) Central Catholic. The Hawkeyes like him in the secondary. 

Sunday, he worked out with Iowa defensive coordinator and defensive back coach Phil Parker. The veteran assistant has helped a long list of Hawkeyes succeed in college and develop for NFL careers.  

"I really liked how hands on coach Parker was with me, being able to correct me when I needed it and making it easy to learn things," Watson said.

He enjoys playing receiver as well, but Watson see a future at defensive back, too. 

"As of DB in college, I'm willing to do anything to give me the best opportunity to allow me to get on the field as early as possible. I know coach Parker is one of the best coaches in the country, so playing for somebody like him I would only be getting better everyday and have a chance to maximize my potential at DB," he said.

Watson also reported scholarship offers from Maryland, Minnesota, West Virginia, Louisville and others. He's visited Penn State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and more. He's scheduled camps at Cincinnati (June 8) and East Carolina (June 18). 

He's searching for a good feel on and off of the field. 

"In college, I’m thinking about either going the Business route or Marketing," he said. 

All of the major recruiting scouting services tab Watson as a three-star prospect. 247Sports sees him as the No. 32 player overall in Ohio for 2024. 

You can check out Watson's highlights HERE.