PULASKI ACADEMY’S Watkins makes big impact.
Pulaski Academy’s Watkins makes big impact
Jaren Watkins stands 5-foot7, but he’s played a large role in Pulaski Academy’s football success.
“He is a little big man, in every sense of the word,” Pulaski Academy Coach Kevin Kelley said. “He plays huge.”
Watkins has made his impact on a program that is known as a passing offense.
The senior running back, who is 165 pounds, has rushed for 1,621 yards and 17 touchdowns on 179 carries. He’s averaging 9.1 yards per carry and 124.7 yards per game for the Bruins.
Also, Watkins has caught 27 passes for 385 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per reception.
“I fit in wherever I need to,” Watkins said. “I’m an allaround player.”
Pulaski Academy (12-1) faces Wynne (13-0) in the Class 5A state championship game at noon Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. It’s the Bruins’ third consecutive state championship appearance and eighth overall.
“We’ve been here before,” Watkins said. “We know what to expect.”
Watkins said he’s had detractors about his size. However, he’s not lacking for confidence, and his numbers back him up.
“Do you want someone who’s big and tall or do you want a playmaker?” Watkins said. “I’m a playmaker. I say size doesn’t matter. If you want a playmaker, then that’s me.”
Watkins rushed for 129 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 carries and caught 3 passes for 49 yards in Pulaski Academy’s 35-7 victory over Batesville last Friday in the Class 5A semifinals. His 11-yard run gave the Bruins a 14-0 lead in the second quarter and he also had a two-point conversion earlier in the half.
Last season, Watkins rushed for 2,067 yards and 24 touchdowns on 166 carries. He earned most outstanding player honors in the Class 5A state championship game against Little Rock McClellan when he had 173 yards and 1 touchdown in the Bruins’ 5030 victory.
In four seasons at Pulaski Academy, Watkins has totaled 4,224 yards and 50 touchdowns on 425 carries. But what impresses Kelley more is
Watkins’ attitude off the field.
“Everybody loves that kid,” Kelley said. “You try not to pick favorites. But if my favorite is the one who worked the hardest and had the best attitude, 90 percent of our players would pick Jaren Watkins. They see the attitude and the way he goes about things.”
Watkins has an opportunity to help Pulaski Academy win its third state championship in a row. The last team to win three consecutive state championships was Greenwood in 2010-2012.
“It’s a dynasty, you could say,” said Watkins, who has been received college interest from Louisiana-Monroe and Texas State as well as a preferred walk-on spot at Arkansas State. “It would be the best feeling in the world. It would be amazing to go out with a three-peat.”