UAB vs South Alabama: 3 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch
By Cory Kinnan
WR Austin Watkins, UAB
It would not be much of a stab in the dark to say UAB wide receiver Austin Watkins will be the best player taking the field tonight on either side of the field. Despite the slow start, racking up 10 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown through two games, the 6-foot-3 and 210 pound wide receiver has the chance to make a game breaking play at any moment he is on the field.
Watkins is coming off of a breakout season for the Dragons, a year where he was able to tally nearly 1,100 yards and six touchdowns on 57 catches, and as the season picks up, the big UAB receiver will hope looks his way do as well. Against a lacking South Alabama defense, Watkins should be able to get his fair share of looks.
As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches for Watkins, he will have to prove he is not just a big body outside the numbers. The NFL is veering away from big bodied pass catchers and more towards guys who have the ability to create separation with their release, hand technique, and route running savvy. As the Dragons take on the Jaguars, keep an eye on number 6 for UAB as he hopes to boost his draft stock.