In 2013, the Arkansas Razorbacks are going to wish they redshirted Darius Winston.
For now, maybe it’s best they didn’t.
At least that’s how Winston views it.
Arkansas’ only 5-star recruit for 2009, the prep All-American cornerback from Helena-West Helena Central only played four games for last year’s 8-5 games.
“I kind of wish I had redshirted,” Winston said, “but you know the same time I prepared every week with the team like I was going to play. I got to play a little bit and I learned a lot.”
Ability did not hold Winston back in 2009. Timing did.
He wasn’t NCAA Clearinghouse academically certified in 2009 until August.
So he couldn’t be on campus with other the UA freshmen enrolled in summer school and working out on campus together.
Winston wasn’t ready physically or mentally compared to his teammates when the official August, 2009 preseason practices began.
He didn’t really catch up until coaches were afforded expanded opportunities to work with the young reserves during the Liberty Bowl practices in December.
“The playbook and everything kind of slowed down to me when we had the bowl practices,” Winston said.
“I was frustrated when I first got here but my speed started to show in the bowl practices and spring ball and now I am continuing to build on it all in camp,” Winston said.
Willy Robinson, the defensive coordinator and secondary coach, started singing Winston’s praises during those practices readying the Razorbacks for their Jan. 1 Liberty Bowl victory over East Carolina. He warbled like a songbird about Winston’s spring practice and continues the tune into August.
“We felt Darius Winston had tremendous growth,” Robinson said. “He’s become more of a student of the game and he’s a very prideful kid conscientiously trying to make himself better.”
Sufficiently better that Winston and veteran junior Isaac Madison, the 2008 starter redshirted in 2009 after missing the season with a torn ACL during the August preseason, contest for the starting job at field corner.
“The competition will make them better,” head coach Bobby Petrino said. “You’ve got Madison and Winston competing hard every day.”
They compete knowing both must play, particularly against some of those Spread offenses compelling defenses to employ five and even six defensive backs.
“He helps a lot,” Winston said of Madison. “We talk to each other. There is a big difference with this year’s team. Everybody has a bigger bond and a lot more communicating going on.”
Of course Winston now really feels a part of the team since he’s been on the team rather than belatedly joining team like this time last year.
“It’s a big difference,” Winston said. “I have a lot more confidence this year.
“I know my teammates and everyone has high expectations as a group,” Winston said.
Now he’s one of the guys and not the 5-star novelty.
“There was a lot of pressure on me,” Winston said of last season. “I guess there still is a lot of pressure, but I don’t think about it.
“It’s not high school anymore. I’m recruited here to play football,” Winston said. “I felt like spring was a great help to me. And I worked hard on my strength and conditioning in the summer.”
He looks ready to follow in the footsteps of some Winstons who were heralded Hogs before him.
Cousin Billy Winston, who was originally from Marianna, was an All-Southwest Conference tight end for Coach Ken Hatfield’s Hogs in 1989.
Even more heralded as a Razorback voted into the UA’s Sports Hall of Honor, Dennis “Dirt” Winston, was a nationally renowned linebacker/defensive end for Frank Broyles’ Razorbacks from 1973-76.
He served later as an Arkansas assistant coach after an illustrious NFL career playing linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.
Having played and coached college ball, did Dennis give Darius advice as he was being recruited?
“He told me wherever I go it’s cool,” Winston said. “He just told me do whatever is good for me. I felt really good coming here.”
The Hogs feel 5-star good that he is here.
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In 2013, the Arkansas Razorbacks are going to wish they redshirted Darius Winston.
For now, maybe it’s best they didn’t.
At least that’s how Winston views it.
Arkansas’ only 5-star recruit for 2009, the prep All-American cornerback from Helena-West Helena Central only played four games for last year’s 8-5 games.
“I kind of wish I had redshirted,” Winston said, “but you know the same time I prepared every week with the team like I was going to play. I got to play a little bit and I learned a lot.”
Ability did not hold Winston back in 2009. Timing did.
He wasn’t NCAA Clearinghouse academically certified in 2009 until August.
So he couldn’t be on campus with other the UA freshmen enrolled in summer school and working out on campus together.
Winston wasn’t ready physically or mentally compared to his teammates when the official August, 2009 preseason practices began.
He didn’t really catch up until coaches were afforded expanded opportunities to work with the young reserves during the Liberty Bowl practices in December.
“The playbook and everything kind of slowed down to me when we had the bowl practices,” Winston said.
“I was frustrated when I first got here but my speed started to show in the bowl practices and spring ball and now I am continuing to build on it all in camp,” Winston said.
Willy Robinson, the defensive coordinator and secondary coach, started singing Winston’s praises during those practices readying the Razorbacks for their Jan. 1 Liberty Bowl victory over East Carolina. He warbled like a songbird about Winston’s spring practice and continues the tune into August.
“We felt Darius Winston had tremendous growth,” Robinson said. “He’s become more of a student of the game and he’s a very prideful kid conscientiously trying to make himself better.”
Sufficiently better that Winston and veteran junior Isaac Madison, the 2008 starter redshirted in 2009 after missing the season with a torn ACL during the August preseason, contest for the starting job at field corner.
“The competition will make them better,” head coach Bobby Petrino said. “You’ve got Madison and Winston competing hard every day.”
They compete knowing both must play, particularly against some of those Spread offenses compelling defenses to employ five and even six defensive backs.
“He helps a lot,” Winston said of Madison. “We talk to each other. There is a big difference with this year’s team. Everybody has a bigger bond and a lot more communicating going on.”
Of course Winston now really feels a part of the team since he’s been on the team rather than belatedly joining team like this time last year.
“It’s a big difference,” Winston said. “I have a lot more confidence this year.
“I know my teammates and everyone has high expectations as a group,” Winston said.
Now he’s one of the guys and not the 5-star novelty.
“There was a lot of pressure on me,” Winston said of last season. “I guess there still is a lot of pressure, but I don’t think about it.
“It’s not high school anymore. I’m recruited here to play football,” Winston said. “I felt like spring was a great help to me. And I worked hard on my strength and conditioning in the summer.”
He looks ready to follow in the footsteps of some Winstons who were heralded Hogs before him.
Cousin Billy Winston, who was originally from Marianna, was an All-Southwest Conference tight end for Coach Ken Hatfield’s Hogs in 1989.
Even more heralded as a Razorback voted into the UA’s Sports Hall of Honor, Dennis “Dirt” Winston, was a nationally renowned linebacker/defensive end for Frank Broyles’ Razorbacks from 1973-76.
He served later as an Arkansas assistant coach after an illustrious NFL career playing linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.
Having played and coached college ball, did Dennis give Darius advice as he was being recruited?
“He told me wherever I go it’s cool,” Winston said. “He just told me do whatever is good for me. I felt really good coming here.”
The Hogs feel 5-star good that he is here.
