Michigan takes on Colorado State in their season opener at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (Neil Blake/MLive.com)Neil Blake/MLive.com
Michigan appears to be building some momentum on the recruiting trail.
Washington D.C. Gonzaga 2025 four-star safety Kainoa Winston announced his commitment to the Wolverines on Friday, choosing them over his other three finalists: Oregon, Penn State and North Carolina.
The No. 88 overall prospect and No. 9 safety nationally, per the 247Sports Composite rankings, is the second recruit to verbally pledge to Michigan in the past week, joining Palatine (Ill.) four-star defensive lineman Jaylen Williams. He also becomes the second top-100 prospect in the class along with Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick defensive lineman Nate Marshall, who is ranked No. 41.
Winston took an official visit to Ann Arbor earlier this month and followed with an official to Penn State last weekend. He is listed at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds and is the first recruiting win for new Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan.
“A new-age defensive back prospect with the straight-line speed to help combat modern passing attacks,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in his scouting report. “Owns some of the more impressive track times in the 2025 cycle having collected various medals at respected meets around the country. Size hasn’t been third-party verified but is believed to be under 6-foot and full of muscle.
“Flies around the field and can get outside the numbers with ease. Quick to locate the football and is not afraid to jump a route. Has proven to be a rather spirited tackler in run support and seems to frequently be seeking out contact. Agile and fluid enough in the lower half to man-up with wide receivers and tight ends but hasn’t been asked to press a ton on Friday nights.”
Winston is the second recruit Michigan has landed from Gonzaga in the past three cycles. Evan Link was a four-star offensive tackle in the 2023 class.
The Wolverines are up to seven commits this cycle and all are rated as four-star prospects.
(Highlights embedded with permission from Hudl)
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