Hawkeyes in front

Muskegon Heights (Mich.) defensive end Evan Winston pulled six offers from non-BCS Conference schools before popping his first offer from a Big Ten program last week. The 6-4, 240-pound Winston has continued to see his stock rise throughout the spring evaluation period.

"Michigan came in, Michigan State, Indiana, Iowa and a couple of MAC school as well came in," Winston reported. "Arkansas has also come into the mix and Boise State. I sent out a couple of transcripts last week, so we should have more [offers] on the table shortly."

Ball State, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Marshall, Toledo and Western Michigan were all in early with offers. Iowa joined the list last month, and has shown enthusiasm for Winston since.

"The school that I would say that is showing the most love is definitely Iowa," Winston said. "They offered April 12 and that was a big stepping stone for me. They just love the way I play, said I have a motor and I have the characteristics of an Iowa football player.

"Iowa has something I have major interest in and they are definitely the frontrunners right now. I'm supposed to be making an unofficial visit at the end of this month [Memorial Day weekend]."

Iowa assistant Phil Parker is Winston's primary recruiting contact in Iowa City, and he visited Muskegon Heights already during the evaluation period.

"I bumped into him when he was at school and he said I was a lot bigger than he expected, and that's always a plus," Winston said. "We really didn't get a chance to speak, but I am definitely going to be in touch with them in the next week or so."

The Hawkeyes have jumped to the top of Winston's list, but they will need to hold onto that spot for at least a little while longer. The West Michigan native is not ready to make his college decision and plans to attend summer camps starting next month in an effort to earn more offers. He has yet to determine which schools he will attend for summer camps.