Film Room: Lincoln Watkins

Kentucky’s offense has committed to being a pro-style attack. That means a lot of things but the need at tight end from a roster-building standpoint is fairly clear. The Cats have a high snap count volume to fill at tight end. Addressing this position consistently in high school recruiting is a program emphasis. The Wildcats were back in the market in 2026 at the position after adding two players to the room via the transfer portal this offseason.

It took some time for a serious target to emerge but we saw Kentucky and new tight ends coach Derek Shay close quickly on a prospect this week. High three-star tight end Lincoln Watkins committed to UK on Saturday just days after his official visit wrapped up on campus.

What is Kentucky adding with yet another recruiting win in Michigan? Lincoln Watkins is a flex tight end with good positional size and legitimate ball skills.

Wide receiver skill set in tight end frame

Lincoln Watkins has the potential frame of a true in-line tight end at the next level. The 6-foot-4 Kentucky commit looks skinny on tape but there should be room to add 20-25 pounds in a college strength and conditioning program to get up to 240 pounds. But it doesn’t look like the Port Huron (Mich.) North product was being recruited for his blocking prowess.

The Kentucky commit is a legitimate flex tight end prospect with terrific ball skills.

Playing a high volume of X receiver snaps, Watkins was used on a plethora of vertical routes where the prospect used his terrific size to complete tight window receptions. The prospect shows very good ball tracking and knows how to attack the football in the air to secure 50/50 receptions. Watkins does a good job using late hands and flashes good hand-eye coordination as a receiver. That allows the flex tight end to win against tight coverage. Throughout his tape, Watkins does get pinballed some by contact but does a good job staying on his route and giving his quarterback a big target.

The foot speed, balance, and contested catch creation shown on tape should make the No. 11 overall player in Michigan a productive receiving tight end at the next level. Now Watkins will have to prove that he can handle the physical nature of the position. There were no in-line reps on tape but the productive front seven player on defense did serve as a short-yardage rusher and showed good athleticism as a blocker in space. Watkins keeps his feet underneath him and uses his size to his advantage as a perimeter blocker.

Can Kentucky enhance this skill set?

The Big Blue Nation desperately wants to see the Kentucky football program value pass-catching from the tight end position more. Many are skeptical that will ever happen. The only way that likely changes is through recruiting. UK added a true flex tight end in the 2025 cycle and have backed it up with another in 2026.

Lincoln Watkins has the frame to grow into a true Y tight end but his receiving ability is the major thing that stands out. This two-way performer who carries a heavy load for his high school offense has legitimate ball skills and strong hands at the catchpoint. Kentucky’s latest recruiting win should at the very least provide an impact as a seam-stretcher and crossing route weapon.

Kentucky will need to prove that the program can take advantage on this flex tight end skill set but Watkins gives the offense another pass-catching threat at tight end.