Future Penn State Linebacker Winston Yates: A Testament to Resilience and Dedication

The Penn State University football program recently received a commitment from an exceptional talent for the Class of 2023: Winston Yates, a linebacker from Moorestown, New Jersey, has decided to become a preferred walk-on for the Nittany Lions. Although he had opportunities elsewhere, Yates has stayed true to his childhood dream of playing for Penn State and has chosen Happy Valley.

From Paul VI to Penn State

Standing an impressive 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, Yates showed off his skills last season at Paul VI in Haddonfield. His path to Penn State has been marked by challenges, including overcoming injuries that cut his path to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) short.

Yates, a lifelong Penn State fan, expressed his excitement about representing the school and program that means everything to his family. “We have always been ride-or-die PSU fans, so getting the opportunity to give back all that Penn State has given me is truly a blessing from God,” Yates said. His decision to accept Penn State’s preferred walk-on offer instead of other options, including a walk-on opportunity at Big Ten rival Michigan and scholarship offers from schools such as Army, Villanova, Delaware, and Rhode Island, shows his commitment to playing at the highest level.

Starting with Injury

An injury early in his career, a torn labrum suffered in eighth grade baseball, briefly halted Yates’ football career. However, he recovered and played on the varsity team as a freshman before undergoing surgery before the 2020 season. That decision proved to be a wise one given the uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In his junior season, Yates then transferred to powerhouse St. Joseph’s Prep, but suffered another setback due to an AC joint injury.

Despite these challenges, Yates remained resilient and healthy in his senior season and was selected to the All-Conference first team as a wide receiver in 2022. His dedication and fighting spirit are reflected in his play. He prides himself on being first to the ball and making key tackles on special teams.

To Compete with the Best

In a statement, Yates acknowledged that there is a misconception about preferred walk-ons: “Most people see a preferred walk-on as someone who isn’t as good as the scholarship players.” He explained his decision by saying he wanted to compete with the best players and coaches in the country and was confident in his abilities at Penn State.

As Winston Yates opens the next chapter of his football journey at Penn State, his story becomes a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering loyalty to a childhood dream. Your dream can become reality, too, if you explore plenty of casino bonuses, tournaments, and free spins on this page. Go on while Nittany Lions fans can look forward to witnessing Yates’ tireless work ethic and fighting spirit on the field as he aims to make a lasting impression on Penn State’s prestigious football program.