Relive Jelani Watkins' Ridiculous 10.22 Effort At 100 Meters

After some stat-diving, we figured it out. 

Jelani Watkins' performance at 100 meters on Saturday at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational was tied for the fourth-best mark in March history since 2010.

Only two athletes have been faster all-time. Their names are Issam Asinga (2023) and Anthony Schwartz (2017-2018). 

Watkins' performance of 10.22 on Saturday ties last year's U.S. U20 champion Christian Miller, who ran 10.22 at the Florida Relays -- finishing behind Assinga's 10.10 -- in 2023 and Matthew Boling, who ran 10.22 at the Texas Southern Relays in 2019. Miller is back for his senior season at St. Johns Creekside (FL). 

Asinga ran 10.10 at the Florida Relays last year, while Schwartz set a World U18 record of 10.15 in 2017 and followed it up with a 10.16 in 2018.

For Watkins, that Boling comparison is important, though, because 2019 is the year when the Houston Strake Jesuit sprinter became an icon. That same year, Boling ran a wind-aided 9.98w seconds in the 100m in his regional meet in April. 

Can Watkins do it?

The possibility is there, but he will be plenty busy, with potential events ranging from the 100m to the 200m, 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400. 

It really depends on where Humble Atascocita, a favorite to contend for the UIL Class 6A team title beside Duncanville and Katy Tompkins, uses the LSU recruit. 

But Watkins would be no different than Boling, either. The former Texas star was well-rounded, too, and was asked to run in the 100m, 4x100, 4x400 and LJ over his state run five years ago. 

Check out the race video from Saturday's action above. 

Photo Credit: Roderick Pernetter/Texas MileSplit

Boys 100 Results

The Top 100m Times In March Since 2010