The Guillotine ranking 5th at 285AArnWinkels made his first state tournament appearance last season. So far this season, the junior has stood on top of the podium in three in-season tournaments and placed second in a fourth tournament. On the football field, he is a throwback to those running back eating middle linebackers who dominate the game between the tackles. The junior is best when he can come downhill, make his read, and attack the ball carrier or lead blocker. He is physical at the point of attack, stopping the run and throwing a lead block from his fullback position on offense. Although he is most effective running north and south, Winkels has the athletic ability to stay square and scrape down the line of scrimmage. The junior is also the Packers’ primary long snapper.

It’s Austin Packers time! Notching in at #37 overall and as LB6 is Samuel Winkels, a 6′, 200 lb. linebacker who is currently ranked #8 in the 220AAA Guillotine wrestling rankings and had a strong sophomore campaign on the gridiron in 2022. Winkels did a great job of blitzing, shooting gaps, and finding space between the tackles to make plays in the backfield, often using his lateral agility to beat blocking attempts from OL. Also can pursue down the LOS and help out in coverage and beat smaller blockers with force. I’ll be keeping an exciting eye on him during the remainder of this wrestling season and through the summer!