Police: Florida Gators recruit Justin Watkins kicked female’s car, broke her phone

One of the Florida Gators' top incoming recruits was released from jail early Wednesday after police allege he kicked a female's car and broke her phone after an argument.

Justin Watkins — a four-star athlete from Clermont — and an unnamed female had a verbal argument last week. Watkins then took her cell phone, left and later threw it on the ground, shattering its screen, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained Thursday by the Tampa Bay Times.

Watkins followed the female to the student parking lot at a Marion County high school. He then kicked her car and tried to let air out of the tires — an action confirmed by the school's video surveillance.

Because Watkins was not a student at the unnamed high school, he was arrested Tuesday afternoon on a misdemeanor complaint of trespassing on school grounds. According to jail records, he was released at 2:37 a.m. on $500 bond.

"We are aware of the incident with Justin and are still collecting information," Gators coach Dan Mullen said.

Watkins attended three schools, most recently at East Ridge. Regarded as one of the top 100 prospects in the nation, he finished his prep career with 56 total touchdowns and almost 4,000 yards of offense.