James Franklin announced Penn State football’s team captains for the 2024 season nearly two weeks ago; of that list of captains is junior safety KJ Winston.

Winston, a former four-star recruit in Penn State’s 2022 recruitment class, has seen the field for Penn State since he was a true freshman. The Hyattsville, Maryland, native played 12 games in his first year as a Nittany Lion, sitting behind now-San Fransico 49er Ji’Ayir Brown.

As a sophomore, Winston started all 13 games at safety and led the team in tackles with 60. Winston is now a team captain in his third year and said he couldn’t be more appreciative of the opportunity.

“It’s a true blessing,” Winston said via Zoom Tuesday morning. “Getting that honor from your teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone in the building is a blessing.” 

Winston said his personality hasn’t changed much from the time he was a freshman to now. He said he just kept being himself and focused on having a consistent daily work ethic to help motivate others around him.

However, Winston did say he changed one thing – being more vocal.

“I’d say I was a little more vocal than I have ever been at Penn State,” Winston said. “Pushing guys. Trying to make the best out of everybody. I think that part was the big difference that I added.” 

Fellow team captain Dom DeLuca noted Winston’s vocal leadership and consistent character after the team’s practice on Wednesday.

“He’s been extremely vocal, holding everyone accountable,” DeLuca said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a vet, it doesn’t matter if it’s a freshman. He holds the same accountability to everyone.” 

Being a consistent and vocal leader are good qualities to have as a captain, but Winston said he also wants to be a leader who can have tough conversations with the team and individual players when needed.

“I’m not saying to ‘do this’ or ‘do that,’ pushing people and being a boss,” Winston said. “But just having those tough conversations with people when it’s needed and having a tough conversation with the team and being the one to step up and say certain things in moments that not a lot of people feel comfortable doing.” 

With the first game of the season right around the corner, Winston is putting last season’s success in the rearview mirror and is focused on helping this year’s team limit big plays, force turnovers, and tackle better.

“Forget about last season,” Winston said. “We have a new team now.”