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Penn State football captain KJ Winston isn’t afraid of delivering the ‘tough’ message

KJ Winston recently earned the honor of being a Penn State football team captain, now Anthony Poindexter has explained how natural Winston’s leadership is.

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3 months ago

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Penn State football, KJ Winston, Anthony Poindexter
Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions safety Kevin Winston Jr. (21) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vocal leadership is a quality that comes naturally to some football players. To others, they lead by example and do the right thing each day. For Penn State football newly selected team captain, KJ Winston vocal leadership comes naturally to him. Nittany Lion safeties coach Anthony Poindexter has recently explained how Winston can deliver difficult messages.

KJ Winston is regarded as one of the top returning safeties in college football entering the 2024 season. He has earned preseason All-American honors and looks to lead Tom Allen’s defensive unit this season. On Saturday, Winston was named a team captain among Drew Allar, Nick Dawkins, Dom DeLuca, Kobe King, and Riley Thompson.

It’s no surprise to Anthony Poindexter as he has recently praised Winston’s leadership to Nate Bauer of Blue White Illustrated.

“Real leaders say tough stuff to their teammates because it’s just how we do things. A lot of times it’s better coming from you than from the coaches. That’s who he is as a person.”

What kind of production is Penn State returning with Winston?

Penn State football, KJ Winston, Anthony Poindexter

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In 2022 Winston primarily played on special teams. He appeared in 12 games collecting 16 tackles and one tackle for loss. But in the offseason between 2022 and the spring of 2023, that’s where Winston took off. He earned the starting safety role that was left open by Ji’Ayir Brown who left for the NFL Draft.

Last season Winston accounted for 61 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and one interception. As a member of the 2022 recruiting class, KJ Winston carried a four-star ranking according to 247Sports. He was regarded as the No. 8 safety in his class and looks to lead the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff this fall.

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Former Editor-In-Chief at Victory Bell Rings, Morgan is the current Site Manager for Basic Blues Nation, host of the Basic Blues Podcast, and co-host of the weekly Penn State Roar Room spaces. Morgan lives in upstate New York with his wife and cats.

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