ITB Extra: New On3 Prediction in for Michigan to land key defensive target

*** I have logged an On3 Prediction in favor of Michigan for Top 100 Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga Prep defensive back Kainoa Winston. This one has been a big Michigan-Penn State battle for the last couple of months, but I feel like Michigan has had the momentum in recent weeks. Michigan really did set the bar high on his recent official visit as he connected well with new secondary coach LaMar Morgan and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. More importantly, Winston really immersed himself in the culture and felt at home in Ann Arbor. As I’ve said before, Winston is a Michigan-type kid that really values the development and education offered at U-M. He’s a perfect fit for what the Wolverines want.

*** Penn State was considered the favorite for a large majority of the cycle, but as mentioned, Michigan really wowed Winston following the staff changes. New head coach Sherrone Moore and company did a fantastic job of making him feel like a top priority. Winston did make his official visit to Penn State over the weekend, but there has been no indication that the Nittany Lions regained momentum. Winston has been to PSU more often of the course of his recruitment, and his cousin, KJ, is a star for the Nittany Lions. But again, I get the sense that Michigan is the team to beat now that the dust has settled following the two OVs.

*** Winston is currently slated to officially visit both North Carolina and Oregon. But I’m not sure he makes it to either visit. It’s clear Winston is growing tired of the process, and I don’t see either school making a serious run. Winston recently told me that he wanted to shut things down this month and that a decision could come at any time. That means this one could be done in the very near future.

*** Here is what Winston told me following his official visit to Michigan: “There weren’t a lot of guys, but me and the other recruits had a lot of fun. It was good having a smaller group there. It was individualized. We really got to bond and get to know the other recruits better. We got to know the coaches and the players better, too. I’ve been there before, but all of Michigan is really chill and laid back. They are the national champions, so they are doing something good. They are about their business. Win, win, win. That’s what they really care about. Winning is the main goal as it should be.”

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