Penn State safety KJ Winston named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
Penn State is just one week into the 2024 season and its players are already earning conference honors. On Monday, safety KJ Winston was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week following a strong performance against West Virginia this past weekend.
Not only did Winston lead the team in tackles with 12, but the 6-foot-2, 208-pound defensive back also forced a fumble. It also tied his career high in tackles that he set last season against Michigan.
After a breakout season in 2023 – Winston totaled a team-high 60 tackles while also adding 2.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and interception and five pass breakups – the Columbia, Md., native was named to multiple preseason all-conference teams. His Pro Football Focus grade of 89.2 last season also ranked second-best in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season out of more than 400 safeties who played at least 300 snaps.
“NFL teams are gonna love him,” said new Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen earlier this year. “They’re gonna put in the film’ I don’t care if it’s Monday’s practice, Tuesday’s practice, Wednesday’s practice. They’re going to see a dude flying around. And they also want leaders. They’re trying to build a locker room just like we are. This is about the big picture of building the best team and guys that do that. That make that locker room better and hold guys accountable and aren’t afraid to. That’s special, especially when they’re your best players.”
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Winston was also named a team captain for Penn State. Position coach Anthony Poindexter spoke highly of his leadership style earlier this year, noting that Winston isn’t afraid to let his teammates know when they need to step it up.
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“He reminds me of Jaquan Brisker that way. He isn’t here to make friends when it comes down to playing football and doing things the right way for us to win,” said safeties coach Anthony Poindexter. “But, he doesn’t have a problem saying stuff to people, whether you’re his friend, best friend. We’re trying to win. But that’s what real leaders do.”
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has also spoken highly of Winston.
“One guy that I specifically see on a day-to-day basis be a great leader, and he’s more of the edgy guy on our team is KJ Winston. Everybody respects him. Everybody loves K.J. and his work ethic. And he’s not afraid to get in your face and yell at you and tell you you’re not doing the right thing. You need to step it up.
“I love that about K.J. because we need that on our team and there’s a balance to it. Coming from easily one of the top five hardest workers on the team, the way he takes care of himself and everything he’s about is good. K.J. has done a phenomenal job with that.”
