Defensive end is leader for Dukes on and off the field
Winston eyes record books in senior season
By Jessica Merrill, contributing writer
Posted on September 7, 2006

Everyone needs a little motivation.

Kevin Winston gets his on the field…

“I hate when other teams talk trash,” JMU’s senior defensive end said. “That’s what keeps me going.”

And off…

 “My son, Kevin Jr. — I call him ‘KJ’,” said Winston. “It’s motivation for me that I’m a role model for him. I just try to do the right thing and be a good dad.”

He’s also trying to be a good defensive end. After Saturday’s game against Bloomsburg, 2.5 has become his magic number. After his sack against the Huskies, Winston only needs 2.5 more to move onto JMU’s top-10 career list.

Winston said stats are the last thing on his mind, though. When he’s on the field, he’s there to play.

“I don’t keep track of anything,” the 6’3, 230-pounder said. “I don’t try to go looking around for what I have, I just play.”

Good thing other people do. Winston has been named first team All-State defensive end by the Virginia sports information directors and second team by the Roanoke Times.

Although statistics aren’t on his mind, Winston does hope to break his records and boot others from the list as well.

“I’m trying to break all of them,” Winston said. “I’m trying to have double-digit tackles in one game and double-digit sacks for the season.”

Winston is second in the Atlantic 10 conference for sacks during the 2005 season with eight, and he is ranked 24th on the Individual Top 100 list for sacks. He set a career-high of three sacks during the Lock Haven game last season. Winston also has a vision of breaking the individual season record for sacks in the back of his mind. Chris Morant (1997-’00) currently holds the record with 12.

“I would love to break it,” Wintson said. “But if I don’t, I don’t. It’s a goal.”

Winston was voted by his teammates to become a defensive line captain. As such Winston not only leads on the field, but through example as well.

“Kevin leads more by example because of his work ethic,” said defensive coordinator George Barlow. “He does what he’s supposed to do and he does it well.”

Said Winston, “I don’t holler and scream,” said Winston. “I just try and lead by example because I didn’t like being yelled at when I was a freshman.”

With this being his last season, JMU coach Mickey Matthews reflected on Winston’s past four years of playing ability and improvements.

“Kevin has a natural ability to rush the passer,” Matthews said. “He has really improved his run stopping abilities these past three years,” Matthews said. “He has just really worked to develop how physically strong he is. He’s put on physical maturity and pounds in the weight room.”

With various records waiting to be broken, Winston has a strong motivation that is able to keep him on the field.