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University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A - Kenny Watkins
6/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Throughout the winter and spring, GopherSports.com has been bringing you exclusive interviews with future Gophers who signed letters of intent earlier this year. Next up is defensive back Kenny Watkins. GopherSports.com caught up with the standout from Brother Rice High in Detroit recently to get his thoughts on TCF Bank Stadium, playing his college ball at Minnesota and his goals for the future. Here’s a transcript of that interview:
GopherSports.com: Talk about the recruiting process and what made you decide to come to Minnesota?
Kenny Watkins: Prior to committing to Minnesota, I committed to Indiana. I thought I liked Indiana, but I went on a visit to Minnesota and I really liked the campus and the people. I was really impressed with the academic advisors. I kind of fell in love with Minnesota. I decided that Minnesota was the school for me.
GopherSports.com: Talk about your 2005 State Football Playoff experience?
Kenny Watkins: It was a really good feeling. We had a lot of Division I players on our team. Basically, it was my first year and I was just learning from all of the other guys.
GopherSports.com: What were your most memorable moments from playing high school football?
Kenny Watkins: My junior year of football, we lost to a team called Rochester-Adams. It was really a tough loss, especially on the seniors and it was the State qualifying game. I said to myself that I didn’t want to go through that again. So this year we beat them in the first round of the playoffs. It was probably one of the best games I played this year. That game is something that I will never forget.
GopherSports.com: If you could meet anyone in the world, who would you want to meet?
Kenny Watkins: Barack Obama. I would just want to follow him around the White House and see him make all of his decisions. I would just want to see what his day is like and ask him how he felt being the President.
GopherSports.com: Is there anyone you like to emulate or pattern your game after?
Kenny Watkins: I want my game to be a mixture of three people - Bob Sanders, Deion Sanders and Ed Reed. Bob Sanders speaks to people. He lets people know that he is on the field. Deion Sanders is one of the best defensive backs of all time. He is just the man. Ed Reed is probably the best safety. Every time the ball is in the air, he is trying to pick it off. If I could be those guys all together, I would be the best defensive back of all time.
GopherSports.com: What are your thoughts on TCF Bank Stadium?
Kenny Watkins: My Dad and I came up for the spring game and got a chance to see the stadium. It is amazing. It is definitely state of the art, especially the 60-yard locker room. It was basically done when we got to see it. I feel special that I will be one of the first players to play in the stadium.
GopherSports.com: Do you realize you’ll be part of the first class to play your entire Minnesota career at the new stadium?
Kenny Watkins: It means a lot, making history and hopefully I will be playing this first season. It will be an honor to be one of the first to play on the field.
GopherSports.com: What are your goals for your first season with the Gophers?
Kenny Watkins: To improve my skills, hopefully be on the field this year and make a difference for the team.
GopherSports.com: What are your long-term goals for your college career?
Kenny Watkins: I want to win a bowl game every year. I want to make the All-Big Ten team, earn All-American honors and all that good stuff.
GopherSports.com: What have you been up to since Signing Day?
Kenny Watkins: I am working on my skills and training with a couple of guys. I am just getting ready as best as I can. Besides working out and doing football stuff, I am just having fun and relaxing and hanging out with my friends as much as I can before I leave.
GopherSports.com: What music are you listening to most right now?
Kenny Watkins: Gucci Mane and Kid Cudi. That’s it, right now.
GopherSports.com: Do you have one song that gets you pumped up before games or hitting the weights?
Kenny Watkins: “Watch me now” by Jody Breeze.
GopherSports.com: Favorite movie or movies ever?
Kenny Watkins: My favorite movie is “Gladiator.”
GopherSports.com: Favorite type of food? If you had to choose your favorite meal, what would it be?
Kenny Watkins: Italian. Chicken pasta and water.
GopherSports.com: What’s can’t miss TV for you?
Kenny Watkins: “The Office.” Dwight is my favorite character.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any hidden talents that maybe not many people know about?
Kenny Watkins: I can play piano. I started playing when I was a little kid and I never forgot about it.
GopherSports.com: Is there anything you’d like to say to Gopher fans who will be reading this interview?
Kenny Watkins: I am just going to come in and help the team as much as I can and hopefully we can get a Big Ten Title this year.
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