By Michael Kiral / L’Observateur / January 23, 1998

LAPLACE – The influx of River Parishes into college football continuedrecently as three athletes announced their commitments to the next level.

East St. John wide receiver, one of the most highly recruited players insouth Louisiana, recently committed to Georgia Tech. The 6-foot, 188-pound receiver caught 36 passes this season for 630 yards. He was amongthe area leaders in scoring, reaching the end zone 20 times either onreceptions, kick returns or running the ball.

“Kerry is a tremendous athlete,” East St. John coach Lou Valdin said. “Heis very strong and has good hands. He is a pretty good blocker and hasgreat physical strength. It is hard for one guy to bring down. He has enoughability to help out right away.”Valdin said Watkins fits in pretty good with the Yellow Jackets’ pro-styleoffense. Also helping Watkins is the fact that Georgia Tech’s top receiversgraduated this season but their quarterback returns.

Watkins said he was impressed with Georgia Tech’s great facilities andacademic standing. He said the coaches are looking forward to him comingin and starting and playing a lot this season.

Watkins also made trips to Illinois and Michigan before visiting GeorgiaTech. He canceled visits to Miami (Fla.) and Tulane. Watkins has the coregrades to play as freshman but still needs a qualifying score on his ACT.

Committing this week to the University of Southwestern Louisiana wasRiverside defensive lineman Steven Gill and Hahnville quarterback AntoineWilliams. Gill, an All-District 9-2A selection, had 70 tackles this season,including three sacks. He said the coaches at USL were a major factor inhis decision, although he said he is not completely certain he willofficially sign with the Ragin Cajuns and will wait until National SigningDay, Feb. 4, to make his decision.Gill said McNeese State was also looking at him. He is fully qualified toplay as a freshman, although he said he would probably redshirt.

Williams led the Tigers’ high-powered offense to the state playoffs in1997 as the team’s quarterback. He will probably play wide receiver incollege.

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