Nick Watkins could add key depth at CB for Notre Dame

Published Apr. 27, 2015 4:59 p.m. ET

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Notre Dame has a pretty solid pair of expected starting cornerbacks in Cole Luke and KeiVarae Russell, but injuries happen and reliable depth is key to keep units afloat sometimes.

That's where having a player like Nick Watkins comes in handy. After the spring, Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly is encouraged by what he's seen out of his "next man up" at the cornerback position, according to J.J. Stankevitz of CSN Chicago.

"(He’s) had a good spring, I think he's developed," Kelly told CSN Chicago. "He needs to continue to grow there. But I would leave here saying it was a really good spring for Nick. He's got a ways to go, but it was a good spring for him."

Praise from his coaches and teammates has Watkins playing with a new level of confidence.

"I feel way more confident out on the field," Watkins said, via CSN Chicago. "I feel that I can cover every one of our guys."

(h/t CSN Chicago)

Photo Credit: Matt Cashore/USA TODAY Sports