When Al Pogue returned home in January, one recruit -- with a deep family history in Alabama -- drew his attention.
The Missouri assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach stopped in at Hoover (Ala.) High to meet four-star slot receiver Jonah Winston, the younger brother of former Heisman Trophy winner and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.
Jonah didn't receive an offer from Pogue, but soon after his in-school visit, the Class of 2026 four-star received a call from wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler and other offensive coaches to learn he received a scholarship Jan. 18.
"This is definitely a place I can see myself getting developed and playing," Jonah said. "Most definitely going to try and get down there to see those guys."
Impressed by Pogue's energetic personality, Jonah learned the Missouri staffer and Hoover offensive coordinator Darrell LeBaux have a close friendship while members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
"That was cool to see how small the world really is," Jonah said. "Knowing I can really trust him because I know Coach LeBaux got that good relationship with him."
Missouri admired Jonah's ability to make the first defender miss, turning any play into plus yardage. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound junior also displayed versatility in the Hoover offensive this past season.
"I can beat you over the top and really hurt you underneath," Jonah said. "I haven't had a chance to get to know Coach (Peeler) yet, but I do know he's a great coach and you don't have to know him to know that. All you have to do is turn on the TV and watch how his guys move, and it's different."
While his older brother went through the recruiting process in an entirely contrast era, Jonah has still leaned on Jameis' story to prepare himself for a busy stretch of visits and offers from top schools across the country.
"The biggest thing he hit on is enjoy the moment," Jonah said. "Don't get caught up in the stars and rankings and how many offers you get, because at the end of the day, you can only choose one. Just make sure I make the right choice for me and nobody else. So that's just been really good to hear coming from him since he's already been through it."
missouri.rivals.com
The Missouri assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach stopped in at Hoover (Ala.) High to meet four-star slot receiver Jonah Winston, the younger brother of former Heisman Trophy winner and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.
Jonah didn't receive an offer from Pogue, but soon after his in-school visit, the Class of 2026 four-star received a call from wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler and other offensive coaches to learn he received a scholarship Jan. 18.
"This is definitely a place I can see myself getting developed and playing," Jonah said. "Most definitely going to try and get down there to see those guys."
Impressed by Pogue's energetic personality, Jonah learned the Missouri staffer and Hoover offensive coordinator Darrell LeBaux have a close friendship while members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
"That was cool to see how small the world really is," Jonah said. "Knowing I can really trust him because I know Coach LeBaux got that good relationship with him."
Missouri admired Jonah's ability to make the first defender miss, turning any play into plus yardage. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound junior also displayed versatility in the Hoover offensive this past season.
"I can beat you over the top and really hurt you underneath," Jonah said. "I haven't had a chance to get to know Coach (Peeler) yet, but I do know he's a great coach and you don't have to know him to know that. All you have to do is turn on the TV and watch how his guys move, and it's different."
While his older brother went through the recruiting process in an entirely contrast era, Jonah has still leaned on Jameis' story to prepare himself for a busy stretch of visits and offers from top schools across the country.
"The biggest thing he hit on is enjoy the moment," Jonah said. "Don't get caught up in the stars and rankings and how many offers you get, because at the end of the day, you can only choose one. Just make sure I make the right choice for me and nobody else. So that's just been really good to hear coming from him since he's already been through it."
Inside Mizzou offer to Rivals250 WR Jonah Winston, brother of Jameis
Missouri cornerbacks coach Al Pogue visited Jonah Winston in person before the Tigers offered the four-star wideout.
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