by Bill Seals
An in-state JUCO program enjoyed yet another elite season in 2018 and one of the big reasons for that success was the work done by the defensive anchor, a tackle in the 2020 recruiting class.
Iowa Western freshman Perrion Winfrey has seen his stock rise after compiling 27 tackles, including 10 tackles-for-loss, four sacks and one forced fumble at the interior line position. The Cyclones are one of four Power-5 programs to have offered the big man, doing so earlier this month.
“I’ve been talking to Iowa State since high school, but ended up taking the JUCO route,” said Winfrey, who graduated from Roselle (Ill.) Lake Park High School, but was deemed academically ineligible to go the D1 route.
“They started following me on Twitter after about the third game this year. We started talking more this year. They came by the school last month and said they liked me and wanted to see me during spring ball. Coach (Alex) Golesh called me again and said they loved me so much that they wanted to offer me a scholarship. I’ve also been in touch with Coach (Eli) Rasheed since they began recruiting me.”
The 6-foot-4, 306-pound Winfrey said coaches have told him the sky’s the limit if he signs with the Cyclones in December.
“They want me to come in and play right away because I’m a difference-maker,” he said. “They want me to play the middle technique and bother the center all game.”
In addition to I-State, Winfrey has also picked up Power-5 offers from Mississippi State, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The Sooners just offered the defensive prospect yesterday.
As for the Cyclones, Winfrey said the vibes from everyone in Ames have been positive.
“They’re a great program,” he said. “I love how they play and the coaching staff is really cool. I like that they really get to know the players. I want to get to know the players (once I take a visit). I’ve been out to their indoor facility once before when we practiced for our bowl game. The facilities there are really nice.”
Competing last fall just over two hours away from Ames, Winfrey said he couldn’t help but notice the work the Cyclones have done.
“The team was good last year and I feel like they’re going to be even better next year and for years to come,” he said. “I like how they play with three down linemen in the 3-3-5 and like that they want me to play in the middle on the center the whole game.”
Winfrey said he has plans to visit the ISU campus again in the coming months, but that it wouldn’t come until after the spring semester.
An in-state JUCO program enjoyed yet another elite season in 2018 and one of the big reasons for that success was the work done by the defensive anchor, a tackle in the 2020 recruiting class.
Iowa Western freshman Perrion Winfrey has seen his stock rise after compiling 27 tackles, including 10 tackles-for-loss, four sacks and one forced fumble at the interior line position. The Cyclones are one of four Power-5 programs to have offered the big man, doing so earlier this month.
“I’ve been talking to Iowa State since high school, but ended up taking the JUCO route,” said Winfrey, who graduated from Roselle (Ill.) Lake Park High School, but was deemed academically ineligible to go the D1 route.
“They started following me on Twitter after about the third game this year. We started talking more this year. They came by the school last month and said they liked me and wanted to see me during spring ball. Coach (Alex) Golesh called me again and said they loved me so much that they wanted to offer me a scholarship. I’ve also been in touch with Coach (Eli) Rasheed since they began recruiting me.”
The 6-foot-4, 306-pound Winfrey said coaches have told him the sky’s the limit if he signs with the Cyclones in December.
“They want me to come in and play right away because I’m a difference-maker,” he said. “They want me to play the middle technique and bother the center all game.”
In addition to I-State, Winfrey has also picked up Power-5 offers from Mississippi State, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The Sooners just offered the defensive prospect yesterday.
As for the Cyclones, Winfrey said the vibes from everyone in Ames have been positive.
“They’re a great program,” he said. “I love how they play and the coaching staff is really cool. I like that they really get to know the players. I want to get to know the players (once I take a visit). I’ve been out to their indoor facility once before when we practiced for our bowl game. The facilities there are really nice.”
Competing last fall just over two hours away from Ames, Winfrey said he couldn’t help but notice the work the Cyclones have done.
“The team was good last year and I feel like they’re going to be even better next year and for years to come,” he said. “I like how they play with three down linemen in the 3-3-5 and like that they want me to play in the middle on the center the whole game.”
Winfrey said he has plans to visit the ISU campus again in the coming months, but that it wouldn’t come until after the spring semester.
