Denzell Watkins reached out to Army coach Jeff Monken the day after his West Point visit.
Watkins expressed interest in attending an Army game this season and going to the Army-Navy game. Instead of texting Watkins back, Monken called the Greater Atlanta Christian School defensive back continuing the recruiting conversation.
At the end of call, Watkins was asked if he was ready to commit to Army. Watkins wanted to catch an Army game first and paused on his decision. He spoke with his father on the way to his baseball game that June 6 afternoon.
“I realized, ‘What was I waiting for?’” Watkins said. “I had loved everything about it (Army).“
Watkins called Monken back and let him know, “I was ready to Beat Navy today.”
Being a part of Army’s Commander-in-Chief game was one of many reasons why Watkins chose to join the 2026 Black Knights recruiting class following his visit.
“The campus was beautiful and entrenched with countless years of history,” Watkins said. “The brotherhood I witnessed was one that was inviting and is one that as a young man I would want to grow and develop with.
“The coaching staff made me a priority and gave me a great experience at West Point. Not only that, but being given the opportunity to play in the biggest rivalry in all of college football at a Division I program is a major blessing that I couldn’t pass up on.”
Watkins added, “At the same time being able to graduate from the best academic institution in the country just solidified the decision even more.”
Watkins, who has a 4.26 grade-point average, played cornerback and quarterback for Greater Atlanta Christian his junior season. When asked for any football stats that he would like to include, Watkins said, “I’m looking to create new stats, I don’t worry about the past.”
Army is recruiting Watkins as a defensive back. What skills and character will Watkins bring to the position and the Black Knights?
“A highly competitive spirit with elite ball-hawk skills and a will to get dirty in the trenches,” said the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Watkins. “And a teammate who’s willing to lead and be led, from day one.
Watkins’ uncle is Garrison Hearst, the former NFL running back and University of Georgia standout.
Watkins had a breakout junior baseball season, batting .374 with nine home runs. On the mound, Watkins was 8-1 and struck out 88 in 72.1 innings.
