Watkins signs with Calhoun Community College Warhawks
J.R. Tidwell/FCT J.T. Watkins signs with Calhoun Community College on Friday Pictured (from top left to bottom right) are Glen Jackson of Southeastern Recruiting (who helped get J.T. signed), Watkins’ grandfather Johnny Hamilton, grandmother Nancy Hamilton, former Russellville head baseball coach David Ward, Russellville coach Brad Ivy, mother Gayla Mills, J.T. Watkins and father Trey Watkins.
Although the final high school season for Russellville senior J.T. Watkins is drawing to a close, he will not be playing his final baseball games for the Golden Tigers.
Watkins signed with the Calhoun Community College Warhawks on Friday, a team that has a history of producing excellent baseball teams.
Recent MLB retiree Jorge Posada was a Warhawk, and now Watkins will join the list of those that have played baseball for the college.
“I liked the place,” Watkins said. “I liked the way it looked, and I liked the coach.”
Watkins was a starter for both the baseball and basketball teams at Russellville, but he says he enjoys playing baseball more.
“I like playing the game as a whole,” Watkins said. “It’s more fun to me.”
“It’s a good sign for him,” former Russellville head baseball coach David Ward said. “Coach [Mike] Burns has the same type mentality at J.T.
He’s a great hitter, he knows the game well, he’s been schooled here and I think he’ll be exciting to watch at the next level. He has great character.”
Watkins said he is looking forward to attending college and playing baseball at the next level.
“I like getting the experience and a chance to better yourself,” Watkins said.
As to what position Watkins will play at Calhoun, he says it does not matter.
“I’ll play anywhere,” he said.
Watkins’ parents have mixed emotions about their son moving off to Calhoun, as most parents do. He is moving off to play the sport he loves and to get an education, but at the same time he will be living away from home.
“I’m glad he’s not going too far away,” said Gayla Mills, J.T.’s mother.
“We toured the campus, the coach was nice and he stressed academics first. He’s a great coach, it’s a great school and it’s a great fit.”
“I’m excited for him,” said Trey Watkins, J.T.’s father.
“I think he brings a lot to the table for them. Whatever they ask him to do, he’ll do it. That’s the way it’s been his whole career.”
