Looks like Jameis Winston wants to stick around college football for a while.
At least that’s the plan right now.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner told the Associated Press on Thursday that he wants to play two more seasons for Florida State rather than leave after next season, when he’ll be draft eligible.
One reason for Winston’s current plan is baseball. The two sport star, who is expected to be a relief pitcher this spring, wants to play for the Seminoles in 2015, around the time he would be preparing for the NFL draft if he chose to leave.
“Obviously I’m a big baseball person, so (him staying two more years) is an accurate statement because I plan on playing baseball next season anyway,” said Winston. “I’m not even worried about the draft and stuff like that. I’m worried about winning championships here at Florida State.”
Our cynical side sees Winston’s proclamation as nothing more than a ploy to keep such questions off his plate as he moves forward. Once the reality of being the top overall pick in the next NFL draft is dangled in front of him, it’s going to be really hard to turn down all that money, not to mention the challenge of testing his talents at the highest level.
However, our idealistic side finds it refreshing that Winston wants to stay and compete in the two sports he loves, if only for one extra season. Until proven otherwise, you have to take him at his word, which means that FSU fans should be downright giddy at the idea of Winston under center in 2015. If he’s this good now, how good will he be two falls from now?
Time will tell whether Winston’s mind changes, but it’s nice to know that college football’s biggest star is considering hanging around.