Top 100 DB Kainoa Winston commits to Michigan over Penn State

Michigan has scored another big win on the recruiting trail.

Top 100 Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga defensive back Kainoa Winston committed to Michigan over fellow finalists North Carolina, Oregon and Penn State.

Penn State was considered the leader for the majority of the cycle. However, new Michigan secondary coach LaMar Morgan did a fantastic job of building momentum with the talented DMV prospect. Winston made official visits to both Michigan and Penn State to kick off the month of June.

Michigan set the bar high on his trip to Ann Arbor and took the slight lead. Penn State was unable to overcome that on his official visit to Happy Valley this past weekend. At the end of the day, Winston felt comfortable with Michigan both on and off the field.

“I really like the people, the culture and the school,” Winston said. “Ann Arbor is chill and laid back. I just like it there.”

Winston is a shorter, compact player in the secondary with elite closing speed and physicality. He best projects as a nickel and is expected to play a role similar to former U-M star Mike Sainristil.

Both Morgan and new Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale went over scheme fit with Winston during his official visit.

“I really got to see the different formations and coverages and the way they move people around,” Winston said. “They talked about how they played a lot of different safeties last year. They showed me how they actually move their safeties around and why they do it — high safety and nickel. The first time, they put my film up with Mike (Sainristil). This time, they just talked more overall football.”

As mentioned, Morgan played a critical role in closing with Winston.

“Coach Morgan is really chill,” Winston said. “We went over situational football — different downs and distances and times in the game. We talked about what they would call and do. He gave me tips and tricks. We talked a lot of football. He hung out with me and my parents for different meals and events. It was good getting to spend more time with him. He’s like a mentor. He reminds me of myself — a lot of people at Michigan do. He’s not overtalkative. He chooses his words wisely. He’s a mentor. He talked to me about his kids and how he coaches and teaches his players.”

At 5-foot-10, 184 pounds, Winston is ranked as the No. 10 safety and No. 95 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking.