Lewisville High’s football team is in the midst of its centennial season, with four-star sophomore wide receiver Armani Winfield working hard to establish his place in the Farmers’ illustrious history.
A second-year letter-winner under head coach Michael Odle, Winfield continues his role as a prolific go-to weapon downfield. The 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound Winfield redefined the term “freshman phenomenon” in 2018 as he put together a line of 376 receiving yards, 27 receptions and three touchdowns. Several NCAA Division I programs have the wideout in their sights, but his attention is on helping Lewisville enter the playoffs on a strong, positive note.
“It’s a pleasure to have the young man and watch his growth academically, athletically and emotionally,” Odle told Texas Scorecard. “He’s a coachable kid who has a good work ethic. He has some amazing gifts that he’s been blessed with being a wide receiver. It’s exciting to watch him play every Friday.”
While it is rare for freshmen to make varsity let alone see action at that level, Winfield not only landed on Odle’s roster barely out of junior high, but he emerged as one of the must-see players at his position last year. As Lewisville rides a four-game winning streak through district play after rebounding from a 34-30 loss to Flower Mound High in late September, Winfield’s star shines even brighter game after game.
“He brings that playmaking ability to stretch the defense down the field,” Odle said. “He’s a big, strong kid, so he can break tackles with the short gain. He’s really worked hard at his craft and his speed development, so he has a burst to run away from would-be tacklers.”
The coach also touted Winfield’s ability to block and marveled at how far his protégé has come since his debut for the Farmers. In eight games in 2019 as of press time, Winfield, who occasionally serves as the punt returner, has snagged close to 40 passes for 603 yards and eight touchdowns. It is possible that he could break the 1,000-yard mark by the last game of the regular season.
“Here, in the middle part of his sophomore season, he’s really just blossomed and taken off,” Odle said. “He’s done a lot for us and he’s dynamic.”
The chemistry between Winfield and junior quarterback Taylen Green has been evident in the past few weeks, according to the coach. Odle relishes the QB’s role as a mentor for the 15-year-old Winfield, who, Odle says, is wise beyond his years.
“Whatever his dreams are, I want to push him to be the best he can be,” the coach said.
