Starting Lineup: Ean Winchester a ‘disruptive’ force no matter where he lines up
To recognize the top players in Berks football MikeDragoSports.com has selected the “Starting Lineup,” a preseason All-Berks team that includes the top linemen, backs, receivers, linebackers and specialists.
Players were selected based on past performance, expected performance this season and college potential. Two-way players were given special consideration. One player will be introduced each day, in random order (the players are not ranked).
Ean Winchester, Twin Valley
| 6-2 | 265 | Senior | HB/TE/DT |
BACKSTORY: Before last season Ean Winchester had never played on the defensive line; he’d always been a linebacker.
First-year Raiders coach Brett Myers needed an impact player up front so he tabbed the 6-2 Winchester, a heavyweight wrestler well-versed in hands-on, one-on-one, physical battles.
“For our defense to excel,” Myers said, “we need a D-lineman who can be disruptive.”
Winchester turned out to be that guy. He earned all-league honors after recording 84 tackles and nine sacks and helping the Raiders win the first district playoff game in program history.
“He’s a natural strong-side D-tackle,” Myers said. “He’s got such good feet, such good strength – (he’s) a major part of our defense.”
Winchester is used to winning. He claimed the BCIAA and sectional wrestling championships at 285 pounds, went 36-6, was named to the All-Berks team and enters his senior season with 95 career wins.
In lacrosse he dominated the faceoff circle, earned All-Berks honors, and helped the Raiders set a program record for wins.
In football he’s a two-way standout and leader on a team headed for big things this season in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
Good as was last year at his new defensive spot, Myers expects Winchester to be even more dominant – especially after he tacked on 30 pounds since the end of last season.
“Where he’s at now, it’s 180 degrees from last year,” Myers said of Winchester’s work on the defensive line, “and he was pretty good last year. Now he’s understanding the footwork, the blocking schemes he’s going against; before he was just an athlete out there running around.”
Winchester is such a good athlete and such a good student – he’s carrying a 4.0 GPA – he could play any of his three sports at the college level. If you consider weight-lifting a sport then he’s actually a four-sport athlete: He owns the school record in the bench press (350 pounds) and squat (550 pounds). He’d compete in that area, too, if he had more time.
“You’ve got a great kid who’s leading three different teams, three different ways,” said Myers. “The dynamics of each sport is different. Most people wouldn’t be able to lead in all three; he’s able to do it. Not everybody is built that way.”
For now Winchester’s focus is strictly on football.
“When he’s in that sport, he gives all his attention to it,” Myers said, “because that’s what his teammates need.”
Winchester will be just as important to the Raiders’ offense as to their defense. He’ll play H-back and, at 265 pounds, will be a force whether he’s serving as the lead blocker, carrying the ball in goal-line situations, or circling out of the backfield and into passing lanes.
“He’ll be around the ball somewhere,” Myers said.
Winchester caught 14 passes last season. He’ll likely catch even more this year, a sobering thought for opposing defensive backs who will be tasked with bringing him down in the open field.
“He’s such an unselfish kid,” Myers said, “he’s doing what he has to do to help our team win.”
ROLE: H-back and tight end on offense, run-stuffing tackle on defense. Team captain.
COLLEGE PROSPECTS: Winchester has the size and strength to play in the PSAC but he’s such a versatile athlete he could end up wrestling or playing lacrosse.
Starting Lineup
| Ean Winchester | Twin Valley | HB/TE/DT |
| Zack Zandier | Exeter | TE/DE |
