FOXBORO – Patriots third-round rookie Chase Winovich was known primarily for three things in his career at Michigan – long blonde hair, a relentless motor in pursuit of plays and a big personality.
Two of those three things remain quite evident early in his first training camp as Winovich transitions to a role on the edge of the New England defense.
That trademark hair and high-motor are on full display this summer for all to see on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. But the personality, as has been the case for many a rookie in Bill Belichick's no-nonsense, no-days-off world, that's taking a bit of a vacation these days.
Winovich was all business when he met with the local media after the fourth camp practice, the second in full pads and by far the most physical to date.
"I'm just trying to be a better teammate and a better football player every day," Winovich declared, side-stepping questions about his daily schedule, whether he grew up a Steelers fan in Pennsylvania and even the common Michigan bond he shares with Tom Brady.
As every well-intentioned rookie in Belichick's world should, Winovich focused on the work he's putting in on the football field and little else.
"It's been an experience, for sure. Like anything else it's, you put yourself in a new environment and that's when you grow," Winovich said. "I'm having to do difference techniques than I did in college. You can just see that out on the field. Luckily for me I have a great coaching staff and a lot of great teammates and great role models to look after and model my game after and to pick their brain. So I'm in a great position I think."
That position has included some hands-on, one-on-one coaching from Belichick, something Winovich clearly values.
"It means the world. He's coached every position. He's one of the greatest coaches of all time," Winovich said. "I'm very fortunate to come out, it's not just him. It's the all-around coaching staff. There is an expertise and opportunities to get better every single day. That's what great, every day you wake up and it's a fresh day and you get to come out here and just get a little bit better, a little bit better. Be a better teammate. Be better mentally, physical, just across the board. So, yeah, it's great."
While Winovich is trying to say all the right things and may be shying away from too much personality at this point – he even indicated he couldn't recall any of the particular former players he's watched tape of as he makes the transition to the unique edge spot on the Patriots defense – he won't ever shy away from his high-motor reputation. Although even that's a topic he used to focus on the present and the future rather than what he proved with the Wolverines.
"I've always been a pretty big cardio guy. I've loved running and I've loved flying all over the field and hitting people," Winovich admitted. "I think that's a decent characterization. But, really, it's not what you've done in the past it's what you do today. So I'm trying to build my football endurance and football shape. Every single day I'm out here I'm trying to get in better and better shape. It's a great opportunity with this heat. It's all you need."
