SIGNED: CB Joseph Wilkins Jr.

North Fort Myers (Fla.) High cornerback Joseph Wilkins Jr. has submitted his National Letter of Intent to Notre Dame.

Rivals: 3.0-star
BGI Grade: 4.0-star
Upside Grade: 4.5-star

Wilkins is the first cornerback from Florida to sign with Notre Dame since Spencer Boyd and Lo Wood in the 2010 class.

Wilkins recorded a 4.32-second pro shuttle drill and a 33.2-inch vertical jump at the Nike Football’s The Opening Regional Miami on Feb. 26, 2017.

SENIOR SEASON: Caught 34 passes for 616 yards and six touchdowns on offense, while adding 36 tackles, five passes broken up and two interceptions on defense. He had eight catches for 107 yards in the final game of his career, a 7-6 loss to Fort Myers (Fla.). His 56-yard fumble return for a touchdown was the team's only touchdown in the game.

JUNIOR SEASON: Caught 16 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns on offense, while adding 28 tackles and three interceptions on defense in just six games.

SENIOR SEASON (2017)

Finalist for The News Press’ 2017 Offensive Player of the Year
Named to The News Press’ “Big 15” list prior to 2017 season

POWER FIVE OFFERS: , Arizona, Iowa State, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan State, NC State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Washington State.

Wilkins committed to Notre Dame Nov. 6 following an official visit for the Wake Forest game. The offer came May 16 after runnings back coach Autry Denson stopped by North Fort Myers to get a closer look at Wilkins.

The Florida talent was primarily recruited by Denson and defensive backs coach Todd Lyght.

• Born Jan. 22, 1999.
• Played high school football under former Florida Gator and Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham.
• Led North Fort Myers to 9-1 record in 2017, the school’s best record since going 11-2 in 2006.

Wilkins is an athletic player that projects as both a cornerback and wide receiver in college, but Notre Dame likes him most on defense. His length and athleticism could help him make a push early in his career, but a redshirt season as a freshman would be ideal.

“Wilkins is a solid all-around cornerback with a lot of upside. He lacks any elite or special traits, but his game also lacks any discernible weaknesses. He’s at the very least good in every department, and there is upside for some traits to make big jumps. That all-around skill set makes him a highly effective player, and he still has plenty of room to develop.

“The first trait that jumps out for Wilkins is his length. He’s listed at 6-2 and checked in this summer at 6-0½. He has long arms and knows how to use his length to his advantage. He isn’t a burner, but he gets to full speed in a hurry and has loose hips, which help him quickly open up and run. His vertical speed and ball skills make him an effective receiver for North Fort Myers.

“Wilkins is a smooth athlete with good body control. He possesses quick feet and is physical for a skinny player. Once he adds more weight and strength he’ll be a legitimate player in the run game. He’s a smart player that stays under control, doesn’t overreact to receiver moves and makes good reads on the ball. Wilkins has the makings of a ball hawk at cornerback thanks to his combination of intelligence, instincts and length.” — BGI football analyst Bryan Driskell