Jeron Gouveia-Winslow made one of the biggest plays of the season a year ago, and yet hardly anyone ever talks about it.
In the first quarter of the ACC title game against Florida State, Gouveia-Winslow intercepted a tipped pass of FSU quarterback E.J. Manuel and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown to give Tech a lead it never would relinquish.
“That was exciting for me,” Gouveia-Winslow said. “Those big plays will happen. It’s just a matter of being around the ball and making the play. It’ll come. You just have to play your part. Do what you’re supposed to do. The plays will come to you. It was nice to finish the year off with that big play and end the year well.”
For Gouveia-Winslow, that play and his forced fumble in the Orange Bowl against Stanford marked a great way to end his year. Maligned at times early in the season, he showed his mettle by continuing to work hard. It paid dividends, as he started playing better, culminating with his big plays down the stretch.
He carried that play over into spring practice, and now, heading into the 2011 season, he’s ready to become a playmaker at the whip position.
“I was real excited about how I played this spring,” he said. “That’s why I was anxious to get back on the field this fall. I look good and I feel good. I’m definitely excited to continue how I’ve been playing. I’m looking forward to it.
“Last year, it was tough to try and play consistently. Everyone was getting on me about the first two games. We were rotating in and using personnel changes [which resulted in Gouveia-Winslow coming out of games] to help us out. It was definitely tough. I came back toward the end of the year and started playing better, and I carried that over to the spring. I’m just trying to play consistent right now.”
Tech’s whip spot appears to be in much better shape heading into the 2011 season than it was a year ago. Not only does Gouveia-Winslow return, but so, too, does Alonzo Tweedy, a lanky, athletic player who can really run. Known more as a special teams player, Tweedy hopes to work himself into a rotation with Gouveia-Winslow. Also, Nick Dew, though a little raw, possesses many of the same traits as Tweedy.
But Gouveia-Winslow plans on holding off the competition – and making a name for himself.
“I feel confident with the defense and with everyone behind me,” he said. “I’m making the right calls, and everyone is making calls. I feel better running around. I feel I’m playing good right now.”
A QUICK GLANCE
Returning starter: Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (7 career starts)
Starters lost: none
Projected new starter: none
Top reserves: Alonzo Tweedy, Nick Dew
Newcomers: none
Breakout Candidate: Gouveia-Winslow
Notes: Gouveia-Winslow finished with 41 tackles and two interceptions a year ago … Tweedy was slowed by a groin injury early last year and struggled to get back into the mix … Tweedy still played in all 14 games a year ago and was a special teams standout, leading the team with 17 special teams tackles on the season.
2011 WHIP LINEBACKERS
43 Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (6-2, 205, r-Jr.)
28 Alonzo Tweedy (6-2, 189, r-Jr.)
27 Nick Dew (6-2, 196, r-Fr.)
