Even back at Lake Park, Winfrey was a nightmare to defend.
“He wasn’t as big as he is now ,’’ Newsome said. “He was slimmer-framed. But he dominated wherever he lined up.”“We beat them every time,’’ Newsome said. “It’s not really a rivalry because you’ve gotta win a few games in order for it to be a rivalry. So we’ll definitely have some fun with that.’’ After dominating at Iowa Western, Winfrey received offers from Alabama, Baylor, Texas, LSU and Oklahoma as the country’s No. 1 JUCO prospect before settling on the Sooners.
“It’s just cool knowing he has that love and enthusiasm for me, because I felt the same way about him knowing that he was at Northwestern dominating the way that he was,’’ Winfrey told cleveland.com. “We always just supported each other throughout the years, just wanting the best for each other.’’ The moment Winfrey declared for the draft, after earning 2021 second-team All-Big 12 honors for a season in which he registered 11 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble, Newsome had a feeling he’d land in The Land.
“Last year, you obviously saw with those two dudes,’’ Newsome said. “Hopefully we get JD back as well, but to add Winfrey to a front like that? Like I said last year, I don’t have to cover too long and that’s a corner’s dream. I definitely appreciate the big guys upfront and the fact that we just added more to it, I love it.’’