Does Iowa still lead for Winston

Back in May defensive end Evan Winston, one of the top Class of 2012 prospects in Michigan, listed Iowa as his favorite.

While the Hawkeyes are still clearly a major player for the 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end, Winston isn't speaking in terms of favorites, at least for now.

Cincinnati offered Winston last week and the week prior to that Houston and Syracuse offered him as well. Those offers seem to have leveled the playing field a bit.

"I'm not sure about favorites," Winston explained early this week. "Unofficial visits will definitely tell the tale."

This summer Winston plans on unofficially visiting Iowa, Syracuse and Cincinnati, the three most recent schools to offer. He's also hoping to work in trips to Houston and Missouri. After that he's not sure.

"I'm definitely going to make my decision before the season starts. I don't want to step on the field uncommitted.

"My number one factor would be the academic standpoint. I'm looking for an outstanding academic institution. Secondly would be coaching stability. Where do coaches rank and how long are their contracts supposed to last? Thirdly, I definitely want to be part of a program that's about winning. I don't want to be in permanent rebuilding mode."

Winston said most of his summer trips will be unofficial visits. He did say that he might camp at Michigan State.