Nation’s No. 1 ATH Justin Watkins flips to Texas from Florida State

Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns earned their first 2018 commitment on Saturday, as the nation’s top-ranked athlete Justin Watkins flipped to the ‘Horns from Florida State during his junior day visit.

The news was first reported by Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.

"The reason I'm choosing Texas is because the way they will be using me in their offense," Watkins told 247Sports. "From slot wide receiver to running back. The H guy is very important to their offense. I want to be that guy that stands out. I feel like this will be the school that would make me stand out the most. The coaches here are great. They all take the time to actually understand their kids and care for them."

A four-star prospect considered to be a flip candidate entering the afternoon, the Longhorns have made the Vanguard (Fla.) product a priority as of late, while the Seminoles were said to have let their interest falter.

Consequently, the Noles’ loss is the ‘Horns significant gain, and one Herman and the staff will use to garner recruiting momentum going forward.

"I want to shut down my recruiting because I know this is the right place for me," Watkins said. "I know it is. Their players get well taken care of. I believe coach (Tom Herman) will use me the right way."

Texas offered Watkins last month on January 20.

The Florida native holds 24 offers, including invitations from LSU, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Tennessee and UCLA.

Watkins ranks as the nation’s No. 39 player, No. 1 athlete, and the No. 9 player in Florida, per 247Sports Composite.