He played quarterback for the school's football teamfrom 1936 to 1939 and was selected as the most valuable player in the conference in both 1938 and 1939.

He received honorable mention on the 1939 Little All-America college football team.

Watkins was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 15th round, 134th overall pick, of the 1940 NFL draft.

[2] In May 1947, Watkins left a position as a high school teacher and coach to engage in farming in Memphis, Tennessee.

Watkins died in December 2002 at age 86 in Wichita Falls, Texas.