Dee Winters opens up on his transition to defense, playing linebacker

It’s been a fascinating journey for TCU to get a chance to play for a national title, but linebacker Dee Winters is no stranger to that concept.

He may be a star on the defensive side of the football now, but that wasn’t always the case, as Winters joined the Horned Frogs with the though of being a wide receiver out of high school. Speaking with the media ahead of a showdown with Georgia, Winters reminisced, asked what he would’ve said if he was told of the current circumstances back in high school.

“I definitely wouldn’t believe them,” stated Winters. “This moment right here is surreal and it’s just a dream come true.

“Coming out of high school I was only weighing 185. I definitely didn’t have that expectation of switching from wide receiver to a linebacker. So just credit to Coach Spie just believing in me and transitioning me and seeing how successful I would be on defense. And I’m just glad to be here at TCU.”

Continuing, Winters added that while it wasn’t always easy, he’s glad to be on the defensive side of the football now.

“My first year it was a very rough transition,” explained the TCU leader. “But I had guys like Garret Wallow who just led by example and I kind of just watched him. And that second year was kind of where it all started in my career. And I feel like I’ve been having success on defense the past two years.

“So I’m very grateful that I made that transition and it’s been successful.”

Since transitioning to the defensive side of the football, Winters has been fantastic for TCU, amassing 239 total tackles, seven pass deflections, 12.5 sacks and three interceptions through his career, each season better than the last.

As you can see, Dee Winters has been a game-changer throughout his time with TCU, and he’ll be hoping to deliver a title to the Horned Frogs in what could be his final season with the team.