Colorado lands first five-star recruit of 'Coach Prime' era

Unsurprisingly, Watkins is excited about the opportunity to play under "Coach Prime." On Sunday, Watkins told 247 Sports that Sanders was a "big influence" on him, and he'll have him playing at his "best ability." 

"He is that guy," Watkins said of Sanders. "Man, he did it on the field, and he does it in the office as well. Can't wait to see what he does with the program." 

During Sanders' introductory press conference on Sunday, he spoke about his goals for recruitment, which no doubt appealed to Watkins. 

"The kids, they want exposure, they want to be on television, they want the (big) lights and action — we're going to give them that," Sanders said via the Denver Post's Kyle Newman. "We're going to give them the followers, we're going to give them the attention, we're going to give them the love and the support." 

Listed at 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Watkins is the 13th-ranked player in the country, according to 247 Sports. 

Watkins received offers from several schools, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio State, before committing to Texas A&M. However, on Nov. 18, he announced via social media that his "recruitment is 100% OPEN," choosing to de-commit from Texas A&M, after "further discussion" with his father. 

While there's no telling how Watkins will fare at the collegiate level, he does have the pedigree as the cousin of former NFL wideout Sammy Watkins.