DEXTER – Owen Winder can’t wait to get to Ames, Iowa.
After developing into one of Michigan’s top offensive linemen during his time at Dexter, the standout football player now has his sights on continuing his play at the Division I level with Iowa State University.
Winder made things official with ISU on Wednesday during the early signing period for D-I college football programs.
“It just feels great,” Winder told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. “I’m just ready to get out there and I’m ready to be a Cyclone.”
The 6-6, 270-pound offensive tackle had been committed to Iowa State since June and stuck with the Cyclones throughout his senior season that saw him help lead Dexter to more than 600 points and a Division 2 state championship appearance.
“It was kind of just a little bit of weight off my shoulders because obviously, as much as the recruiting process is a blessing, it’s also stressful, especially for a 16-year-old,” Winder said of being firmly committed during the season. “But it was helpful knowing that I could just call a place home. And it was Ames, Iowa.”
Now, Winder will enroll early at Iowa State with his eyes on hitting the ground running in January.
“I think they’re really pumped that I’m going early,” Winder said about the ISU coaching staff. “They’re just really excited to engulf me in this program, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Ahead of the season, Dexter head coach Phil Jacobs said Winder had the tools to be the most impactful lineman to come through the Dreadnaught program.
“He’s a kid that just loves being out here,” Jacobs said. “That’s why we love him right here.”
Winder is a 3-star recruit and one of the top-rated offensive tackles in Michigan. He is the latest star lineman to earn a Division I scholarship from the Dreadnaughts in recent years.
He joins the likes of James Livingston (Kansas) and Cam Clark (Wisconsin) who were leaders for Dexter in the trenches during their high school careers and went on to play at the next level.
“I can’t really take all the credit,” Winder said. “I got to give some of (the credit) to the other guys, but I just tried to play my part. Obviously, we have great guys like Cam and James who came through here. I can’t really say I’m the best because we’re all really good at something else.”
Winder was one of three Dexter players who made their commitments official on Wednesday, joining teammates Nathan Gersh and Mateo Kipke, who each signed with Toledo.
With his high school career complete, Winder said he has nothing but high expectations for his future with the Cyclones.
“I’m excited, man. Let’s go win a natty (national championship),” Winder said.