Story Links
Oct. 27, 2003
by Chip Rogers
The movie Carlito’s Way tells the story of a man working hard to correct the problems of his past and trying to move forward in his life. The director creates a scene in which man’s internal struggle to find his way in the world is pitted against the many forces of his environment.
University of Virginia senior cornerback Jamaine Winborne has worked to forge his own way, overcoming obstacles to become a leader on a Virginia football team that is vying to become a fixture in the national polls and in the upper echelon of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
As a young boy in elementary school in the Tidewater section of Virginia, Winborne waited until he was in sixth grade before he was able to join the Packers, a rec. league team in Chesapeake.
When Winborne finally stepped onto the field for his first game, the only time he reached the end zone was during a two-point conversion when he ran a sweep outside. He eventually found playing time at a number of different positions, including quarterback, running back and defensive end.
“I played because it was fun,” said Winborne. “I was hanging out with my friends and just having a good time.”
As Winborne grew, he quickly developed into one of the premier players in the Commonwealth, earning his team’s offensive and defensive MVP awards in his senior season at Indian River High School. He realized that he wanted to continue having fun with football, and the University of Virginia was a good fit for him. “It is close to home and I knew I could get a great education there,” said Winborne. “I could come [to UVa] to play and learn, and have fun doing it.”
Winborne enjoyed his first trip to Clemson’s Death Valley as he and the rest of the Cavaliers faced the #19 Tigers on the road. In that game, Winborne had four tackles, including one in the second quarter as Clemson was in Virginia territory and threatening to notch another touchdown. Winborne stopped the drive and Clemson had to settle for a field goal, a crucial decision as the Cavaliers upset the Tigers 26-24.
Another memorable game for Winborne was the Cavaliers’ 48-22 upset of #15 West Virginia in the inaugural Continental Tire Bowl last December. Winborne had a pair of pass breakups as the Cavalier defense frustrated the Mountaineers all game long. His first pass breakup came on West Virginia’s first series, with the Mountaineers facing a third-and-goal on the Virginia five-yard line. Winborne stopped a pass intended for Phil Braxton, preventing a potential touchdown, forcing the Mountaineers to settle for a field goal.
“Everything was just clicking for us,” recalled Winborne, who had three tackles in the game to bring his season total up to 61, the second-highest total for a single season by a defensive back in school history. Winborne set a Virginia record with his 14th start in the defensive secondary against West Virginia.
Winborne has continued his stretch of strong play in 2003, as evidenced by his game-saving play against Wake Forest earlier this season. The score was tied at 24 with just under two minutes to play in regulation and Wake Forest was driving. The momentum suddenly swung UVa’s way when Winborne stepped in front of a Cory Randolph pass to Jason Anderson. The senior cornerback returned the interception 20 yards to the Wake Forest 33-yard line with 32 seconds on the clock. A 15-yard Schaub pass down the middle moved the ball to the Wake 19, setting the stage for a 38-yard, game-winning field goal by Connor Hughes.
“It was man-to-man coverage,” recalled Winborne when asked about the play. “He [Randolph] was scrambling and I could see his eyes when he threw it. He was eyeing him [Anderson] real hard. I almost couldn’t believe he threw it.”
Head coach Al Groh was appreciative, stating that “Obviously, Winborne’s play led to the final conclusion.”
When Winborne is not watching game film and breaking it down in preparation for the next opponent, he enjoys watching movies. “I really enjoy thinking about movies,” said Winborne. “I like to learn, and I can do that watching movies, too.”
Winborne points to the movie Carlito’s Way as the best cinematic film he has seen, all things considered. “It relates to real life,” he said, “and that’s what a good movie does. The director did a great job presenting the story, and I liked that I had to think about it.”
Watching movies is just one way Winborne likes to keep his mind active. Not only does he challenge himself on the field, but he also works to take big strides in the classroom. A government major, he chose that line of study “because I didn’t want to take anything easy.”
“I want to learn,” said Winborne. “It’s a great opportunity for me while I am at Virginia. Our country is a democracy set up for the people. We need to be more involved.”
Involved is definitely one way to describe Winborne in the community that is the football team. He is seen by his teammates as a leader, someone who has set a high standard and serves as a role model.
“What [Winborne] adds to the team is his leadership,” said Virginia senior cornerback and co-captain Almondo Curry. “He leads by example, both on and off the field. In the classroom, he’s graduating after four years. On the field, he’s one of our hardest workers.”
Working hard has never been a problem for Winborne. He has spent his summers working out at UVa, and his persistence paid off in 2002 when he received the Speed Elliott Award as the team’s Most Improved Player.
“It was an honor for me,” said Winborne, “especially because it came from people I am with regularly. My role on the team is to inspire. Lead by example. Whatever it is that I have to do to help my team.”