Sammy Watkins has decided to take a job as a receivers coach

One of Clemson football's most decorated, beloved players is going to coach.

The school announced on Wednesday that former Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins will serve as receivers coach at Ocoee High School in Florida. As the top recruit in Dabo Swinney's 2011 recruiting class, Watkins was recruited to Clemson. Out of Fort Myers, he was a five-star recruit.

Watkins caught 240 passes for 3,391 yards across 36 games at Clemson to become the school's all-time receiving yard leader. From 2010 to 2012, DeAndre Hopkins accumulated 3,020 yards in 39 games.

He played three seasons for the Tigers before declaring for the NFL draft after his junior year. In his final college season, he caught 101 passes for 1,484 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2014, those numbers earned him a spot as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award before he was selected by the Buffalo Bills No. 4 overall.

Watkins delivered a strong performance in his final game for the Tigers. In Clemson's 40-35 Orange Bowl win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, he had 16 receptions for 228 yards and two touchdowns.

He will undoubtedly inspire young athletes with his experience and success at both collegiate and professional levels. His firsthand knowledge of the game and ability to mentor developing players can help them reach their full potential. Additionally, his presence at Ocoee High School could increase exposure and advancement opportunities for the players.

Watkins was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.