The odds are pretty good Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will have a rather successful 2014 college football season. With success this fall will likely come increased incentive to skip on the final two years of eligibility at Florida State and jump to the NFL, if the draft experts feel strongly enough about Winston’s pro potential this season. Is there a chance Winston will put any NFL plans on hold and return to Florida State in 2015 (not to mention 2016)? Absolutely, according to his father.
“We want Jameis to succeed with one more year in baseball and two more years in football,” Antonor Winston said in a story published by Al.com. “We’ve never strayed from our plan that he is going to be in college until he gets that degree.”
The elder Winston clarified his son intends to play three football seasons at Florida State, which would suggest he will return in 2015 and potentially leave for the NFL with one year of eligibility remaining. This also echoes previous statements by the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner.
There is no denying Winston left his mark in his freshman debut in Tallahassee. Winston led the Seminoles to an ACC championship, won the Heisman Trophy and then rallied the troops against Auburn to win the BCS national championship. Oh, he dealt with a good handful of off-field controversy and concerns as well along the way.
The bottom line is, when a prospect has the talent to be drafted highly in the NFL Draft, it is difficult for that player to say no. The past NFL Draft saw a record number of underclassmen declare for the draft, with many of those decisions perhaps misguided. If Winston performs this fall as he did a year ago, his stock and value will continue to rise. Johnny Manziel left Texas A&M after two years on the field, but he was a redshirt sophomore. Winston is a different case though, one year younger and also considered a talented baseball prospect as well. There could be even more on the table worth reviewing when it does come time for Winston to make a decision final, whatever that may be.
Helmet sticker to Tomahawk Nation.