Receiver Armani Winfield answers questions from Athlete+ members ahead of the start of spring practice this week. Interested in Athlete+? Learn more.
Athlete+: How has your body composition changed since the beginning of off-season workouts?
Armani Winfield: Since the beginning of off-season workouts, my body composition has changed tremendously. I definitely have a lot more muscle than before off- season workouts, and less fat. I can visually see the difference as well.
Athlete+: What are you getting from Baylor that seems to set Baylor apart physically (strength and conditioning) and academically?
Armani Winfield: Physically Baylor is pushing me to my limits. The work I have had to put in has been intense, but it’s an intensity that feels good. As far as academics, Baylor has challenged my thinking and thought process. I feel like since starting classes at Baylor I have matured.
Athlete+: What is it like to look over and see defenders keeping right up with you, realize you're in a different level of competition and come to grips with your need to refine routes and technique rather than using sheer physical talent?
Armani Winfield: The collegiate level is definitely more competitive than high school, but my trainer, Margin Hooks, has been training me to compete at the collegiate level not high school. I am continuing to sharpen my craft and learn from the great Dallas Baker.
Athlete+: What are some coaching points you have received since getting to Baylor that have already made a difference in your play at WR?
Armani Winfield: Coach Baker, the new receiver coach, has taught me many useful techniques. He’s taught me my stance and start; he’s also shown me defensive coverages.
Athlete+: You were highly recruited by a number of programs, several traditional powers. What set Baylor apart and made it the place for you?
Armani Winfield: Not only was Baylor close to home, but it felt like home. On my visit I wasn’t treated as somebody who could just catch a ball, I was treated like family.
Athlete+: What has been unexpected for you since enrolling at Baylor?
Armani Winfield: One thing that was unexpected was the amount of food I’ve been eating. I eat a lot more than I did before enrolling at Baylor.
Athlete+: Favorite restaurant in Waco thus far?
Armani Winfield: I’m a burger guy, so I’m going to have to say Fuddruckers. I can go for a smokehouse bacon cheddar any day.
Athlete+: Who's your favorite professor?
Armani Winfield: My speech class professor, Mr. Hank. He has a positive attitude every day, I enjoy the class because of it.
Athlete+: Can you share any insight to why some of your peers still buy into other programs around the area despite evidence that there is any substance to it?
Armani Winfield: I don’t think they know everything that Baylor has. If they honestly knew what Baylor has to offer they’d make it their first choice.
Athlete+: When did you make your final decision before signing and what made Baylor the choice over Texas, Michigan State and your other top schools?
Armani Winfield: I made my final decision on Baylor 2 weeks prior to my signing day. Like I said before Baylor felt like home and I not only could see myself growing here as a player but also as a person.
Athlete+: Growing up in Lewisville, what was your impression of Baylor football?
Armani Winfield: Being just an hour and thirty minutes away, I always heard and saw Baylor football. I watched star receiver Corey Coleman and he was also a big inspiration.
Athlete+: Which QBs have surprised you since getting on campus, and in what way or ways?
Armani Winfield: All of the QB’s have surprised me. Each of them are unique in their own way.
Athlete+: Your thoughts on Dallas Baker and his coaching style?
Armani Winfield: Coach Baker has played at the highest level and been placed where I want to be in the future, he relates to us well and builds a relationship with us. This relationship builds trust, so it’s easier to trust that he’s guiding us in the right direction on the field.
Athlete+: Are you ready to restart the "WRU" we had in the 20-teens?
Armani Winfield: Yes, I am ready to be a pioneer in restarting WRU. I plan to carry Corey Colemen’s success in the wide receiver core from when he played. We’ll be better than before.
Athlete+: What parts of your game are the strongest?
Armani Winfield: My mindset is the strongest part. I realized that I’m just as strong and fast as players at the next level. You have to know the game within the game, that’s what’s separates players.
Athlete+: Which parts need the most work?
Armani Winfield: As of right now, simply getting my body adjusted to this level of the game; Bigger, Faster, Stronger.
Athlete+: How do you rate your blocking?
Armani Winfield: I’d rate my blocking an 8. I believe blocking is a mindset. You have to want to block to be able to block. I say 8 because there is always room for improvement
Athlete+: What team are you looking forward to beating the most?
Armani Winfield: Albany, the first team on our schedule, I never look past anyone. Only worry about the NEXT GAME.
Athlete+: Based on what you know, if you could pick one 2023 wide receiver recruit to join you at Baylor, who would it be?
Armani Winfield: Montrel Hatten, I have known him for a while and have taken him under my wing. I believe Baylor is the best place for him and Baylor could use a guy like him. I know we are on him hard and he is on us hard, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls the trigger.
Athlete+: Based on your background, if the staff asked you which defensive backs gave you fits to play against in high school, who would that be?
Armani Winfield: I locked in with my trainer, Margin Hooks and with his great technique I overcame every challenge. Like I said I trained for college not high school.
Athlete+: Do you have a specific major in mind?
Armani Winfield: I plan to major in business with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
Athlete+: Being new to college, what is your favorite class thus far, and what's your least favorite?
Armani Winfield: Software apps is my least favorite class. The whole class is based on computers and anybody that knows me knows that I’m terrible with technology. On the other hand, I love my speech class. It’s creative in so many ways and I enjoy that.
