James Winchester Draws Praise for Hustle, Hard Work

The OU long snapper is currently tied for the most fumble recoveries in the nation.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:01 pm

By: News On 6

James Winchester Draws Praise for Hustle, Hard Work

Originally Published: Nov 3, 2010 5:5 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma – It is not often that a long snapper turns heads and draws personal attention from his head coach, but that is exactly what has happened with Oklahoma’s James Winchester.

Winchester only plays as part of the punt coverage team, meaning he has only been on the field for 43 plays all season. Yet he has three fumble recoveries, which is currently tied for the most in the nation.

Winchester’s three recoveries came against Cincinnati, Texas and Missouri.The onesagainst the Bearcats and Longhorns came in the fourth quarter and essentially sealed the game both times.

“You just get down there as quick as possible and get on top of the guy,” Winchester said. “Just play football and go, it’s that simple. I’m just trying to do my job to the best of my ability. Just getting down there, I’ve been fortunate being in the right place at the right time.”

Special teams– especially Winchester's position– are often overlooked when analyzing the quality of a football team. But he said the Sooners have put more emphasis on the kick and punt coverage units the last few years.

“Last year, I think we finished first or second in the nation among punt coverage teams. We were really excited about that,” Winchester said. “Special teams are a big deal here; we take pride in it. We’re just looking to continue that throughout the season.”

Head coach Bob Stoops praised Winchester as a hard worker who gives his all on every play. Stoops said he appreciates Winchester’s play so much that he does not want to use him in other capacity for risk of injury.

Winchester played on the kickoff coverage team one time last season and was hobbled by a minor injury. He has since played only at long snapper, because Stoops said he does not want to lose Winchester’s punt coverage abilities.

“James does a great job,” Stoops said. “He just hustles, plays hard and does a really good job in everything we ask him to do.”