As Division I college recruits, Lincoln Watkins and Amir Morelan know everyone is watching. But they want their fellow Huskies in the limelight, too.
PORT HURON — When Lincoln Watkins and Amir Morelan recognized the gravity of their blossoming football careers, the realization didn't occur on a gridiron.
Instead, it came in a high school classroom.
“Last year, we had an economics class together," said Watkins, a senior tight end/linebacker on the Port Huron Northern football team. "We started talking a bunch about the (recruiting) process … so, we got close through that.”
"(The significance) hit me a lot," added Morelan, a senior cornerback/wide receiver at Northern. "(The more) we started talking about it, it just felt like, 'Wow. It's crazy. We really are actually doing this together.'"
Earlier in the spring, they did something that doesn't happen often in the Blue Water Area — verbally commit to play Division I college football.
Watkins decided on Kentucky and Morelan chose Miami (Ohio).
"Their growth and maturity — even from last year to this year — it's been outstanding," Northern coach Brett VanDrew said. "It was a long (recruiting) process for both of them, because they've been at it for a while."
Three years, to be exact, as college scouts first took notice when they were freshmen.
“What I was looking for during my process is just being a priority,” Morelan said. “Getting to develop on and off the field and the relationship with my coaches.”
“We’ve been both been through it — getting offers and stuff,” Watkins added. “It’s a long process ... for me, it was a lot of the same thing — where are you going to be a priority. That's the biggest thing, honestly, is knowing that everyone (within the program) is behind your commitment and wants you there."
Division I football recruits can't officially sign letters of intent until December.
Morelan and Watkins don't mind waiting, because their final high school season starts Thursday, Aug. 28, when the Huskies visit Redford Thurston at 7 p.m.
"The (offseason) with them has been fantastic," VanDrew said. "They've been leaders on the football team the last couple of years."
In 2024, both players were named to the Michigan Sports Writers All-State football team for Division 1-2. Watkins was a first team selection, while Morelan received second team honors.
As a junior, Watkins amassed 668 receiving yards (17.2 per catch), 245 rushing yards (6.3 per carry) and 17 total touchdowns. Defensively, he made 42 tackles.
“Obviously, his size and athletic ability are the first two things that stand out,” VanDrew said. “But he’s just a naturally born football player. He’s got a nose for the football. He’s super aggressive and just loves the game. He has a passion for the game. I think that motivates him, drives him and it makes him a pretty special player.”
Morelan's junior campaign was equally efficient. On special teams, he had eight kick returns for 453 yards and seven punt returns for 165 yards. He also caught two interceptions on defense.
“He's got tremendous vision,” VanDrew said. “He has focused so much on his technique over the last 12 to 18 months. He's, obviously, a very good athlete, very skilled ... but he has focused so much on doing the little things correct … it sets him apart from even himself a year ago. He’s a pretty special athlete.”
Northern's program has had Division I recruits before, such as current NFL player Braiden McGregor in 2019 (Michigan) and Luke Fletcher in 2023 (Eastern Michigan). But to have two in the same class? Now that's special.
"I had some kid come up to me (at our youth football camp)," Watkins said. "And I was the background on his phone. Stuff like that is cool."
As their commitments have drawn attention from those outside St. Clair County, the two seniors want to share that exposure with their teammates.
“The biggest thing for our team this year is the spotlight on a lot of guys stepping up,” Watkins said. “My cousin, Ivan Frazier, is a middle linebacker. He’s going after people in practice. I’m excited to see what he does — and that’s just one of the handful of guys.”
"I'm really, really excited to see what (slot receiver) Landon Malane does this year," Morelan added. "He's legit."
When VanDrew was asked about their enthusiasm for others, he wasn't surprised.
“That’s who they are,” VanDrew said. “It’s a testament to their character. They're very supportive of other teammates. There are a lot of kids (on this team) that are really good athletes along with (Watkins and Morelan). They know that, they recognize that, and they appreciate that.”
Contact Brenden Welper at [email protected]. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @BrendenWelper.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: PHN football's DI recruits want to share 'spotlight' with teammates
Category: General Sports
