On a cold and rainy afternoon last November in Scott Stadium, NC State had the ball at Virginia's 15, fourth-and-seven, with 25 ticks left on the clock and trailing 14-9. Wolfpack star quarterback Philip Rivers dropped back to pass and lofted a desperation heave that appeared to have found the hands of NC State's Bryan Peterson in the back of the end zone.
Peterson appeared to corral the pass, but with one swipe of Virginia cornerback Jamaine Winborne's hand, Peterson lost the ball, NC State lost the game and Winborne finally won recognition on a big stage.
It was a long time coming for a player who started out a safety under coach George Welsh but has now found a home at cornerback under Al Groh.
Winborne, like Matt Schaub, is another example of someone who started out uncertain of his role, only to become a leading voice on the Virginia football squad.
Recently, Winborne again made big splashes as he helped silence the Western Michigan offense by recording a sack, causing and recovering a fumble and also snagging an interception in the 59-16 rout of the Broncos.
Just three years ago, it was a different story for the 5-foot-10 senior cornerback from Chesapeake, Va.
Starting out in 2000 under Welsh, Winborne saw most of his playing time on special teams and limited action at strong safety. Winborne ended the season tied with Raymond Mann for most tackles by a freshman with 11.
Just one year later, Winborne would transition to the cornerback position under new head coach Al Groh.
Winborne saw time in all 12 games in 2001 at cornerback, starting six, and ending up with three interceptions and 27 tackles.
"I've been very impressed and very respectful of the diligence and tenacity that he showed in playing this position," Groh said. "Everybody's a corner coach. It can break some guys out there. He had a great resolve and a great tenacity to it. As a result, he's made himself into a real good player."
Throughout 2001, Winborne had to compete with others for the cornerback position, especially with now-seniors Almondo Curry, Art Thomas and junior Jermaine Hardy. As it turned out, Hardy and Curry became the starting tandem in 2002, while Winborne and Thomas were used as backups that rotated in during games.
"I always knew I could play the game and that I could play corner," Winborne said. "I've gotten really comfortable with it. It's to the point now where I know everything. All I have to do is study tape because you already know the defense."
Virginia would have a breakout season in 2002, and Winborne would also make a name for himself, earning the most improved player award. Finishing the year with 63 tackles and second in the ACC in fumble recoveries with three, Winborne appeared to have made his claim for the starting cornerback position.
This season brought about a host of changes due to personnel loss and injuries for the Cavaliers. The loss of senior strong safety Jerton Evans from last year's squad made Groh move Hardy to the safety position. The lack of wide receivers from the graduation of Billy McMullen and the injury to Michael McGrew led Groh to transform Thomas into a wide-out on offense.
This left the cornerback position squarely in the hands of Curry and Winborne for 2003. The past three years have seen the dynamic senior duo mature into a strong set of corners that can take on any defense and play well against it.
Winborne also understands his role on the team as a leader and has stepped into it ready and willing.
"We've needed guys on the team to step up to get the team back where it should be and what our goal is," Winborne said. "It's my last year, and I want to leave something for the young guys."
Winborne has had a roller coaster start to 2003, with strong play against Duke and Western Michigan but slipped at the start of the game against South Carolina, being one of the defenders beat on the Gamecocks' record-setting 99-yard touchdown pass. With nine games left, Winborne hopes to settle down and fortify Virginia's defense in 2003.
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