Interview: 2018 California DE Winston Polite is a Terror in the Backfield

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Looking like a NFL defensive end at the high school level does not make one a next level recruit. It takes more than looking the part with the helmet and shoulder pads on to make the player. Repeated production on the field draws in the scouts with an eye on fundamentals, motor, and upside. Notre Dame High School has it all wrapped up in one with Class of 2018 end Winston Polite.

Polite was anything but during his junior season putting an end to 50 plays with 21 tackles for a loss, and five sacks through eight games played. The 2017 season is starting off much the same way for the Los Angeles area product terrorizing St. Joseph (Santa Maria) in Week 1 of the season for six tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack, and two quarterback hurries in a decisive 41-22 win for the Knights.

College interest is there for the 6-5, 250 pound, defensive lineman, and playing in a tough Mission League will help solidify the curious into convinced. Teams taking a closer look includes Kansas State, Colorado, Fresno State, San Jose State, Boise State, UNLV, and USC, just to name a few. When evaluating Polite, next level scouts will love his sound play and quick get off. Polite is never caught going too far up field allowing the play to go past him. He sets the edge holding off left tackles, and chips from tight ends and running backs, securing his side of the field. In the classroom, he carries a 3.2 GPA having already scored a 1270 on the SAT proving to be a true student-athlete.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2018 class to get an inside scoop on Polite’s play on the field and a look ahead to Notre Dame’s 2017 season.

Interview

Winston, at the end of the 2016 season, which parts of your skillset had improved to be the strengths of your game?

“Last year I was a lot stronger than during my sophomore season. I gained about 20 pounds going into my junior year. I had a better head for the game. I worked really hard with my D-line coach to get my reads right and play the run better.”

What all did you work on this offseason?

“My pass rush, getting faster, and getting to the quarterback quicker. I worked on the track to improve my top end speed and my get off.”

How did the mechanics of your game improve over the spring and summer?

“During the offseason at a USC camp, I took a lot from that camp. I learned a lot about hand placement, a big emphasis on that, and how to watch film better so I know what they are doing on each play.”

Did you max out this summer?

“I did on bench, getting 275, and on clean, maxing out at 265.”

You mentioned the USC camp, what other camps did you attend this summer?

“USC, UCLA, Arizona at Redlands, and San Jose State.”

Of the camps, which was your best camp performance?

“UCLA by far.”

What did you do well at that camp to make it your best?

“I had sacks consistently against four- and five-star tackles and a four-star guard. I did well in drills. We did a drill where you flip your hips simulating the pass rush, I did really well on that drill.”

Did you run a 40-yard dash at a camp?

“I did. My 40 time was 4.77 and my shuttle time was 4.51.”

Nice. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“Colorado, UCLA, Arizona, San Jose State, I’ve talked to USC a little bit, Fresno State, Wyoming, UNLV, Boise State, Montana, Montana State, Penn, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, USD (San Diego), and Kansas State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have been to UNLV, San Diego State, San Jose State, Iowa, USC, UCLA, Penn, and Harvard.”

Do you have any visits set for the fall yet?

“No, not yet.”

Enough about recruiting, let’s focus on the 2017 season. In Week 1 the Knights took down St. Joseph’s 41-22, how did that game go for you?

“The game started off fast for me. Instead of playing end, I played nose guard, defensive tackle, and rush backer. I had to learn those three positions last week before the game. Against St. Joseph, I got my sack getting to the quarterback unblocked – I ran right by him. I had three tackles early, three in first half and three in second half.”

You mentioned playing three other positions this year, where all will you lineup during your senior year?

“Since I am a senior, teams will double-team me on every play so the coaches are moving me around a lot to free me up. The reason for me playing nose guard, they have me going against slower centers to make plays.”

What goals have you set for yourself during your senior year?

“I think we will win a championship this year. I think my teammates will perform to the best of their abilities each night. I love playing at Notre Dame. I love all the seniors on the team. Notre Dame is a home away from home for me. Goals for me personally, I want to lead the league in sacks this year.”

What games you are excited to play this season?

“Loyola, that is the school I transferred from, Crespi, they are our rivals, and Bishop Amat will be a tough team this year.”

Winston, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Polite family; Winston Polite at UPenn for a Junior Day

Photo credit: Polite family; Winston Polite at Harvard