Favorite to win the FSU starting job, Jameis Winston had some interesting comments about Johnny Manziel. (Credits: Stacy Revere/Getty Images) |
It's quite obvious that filling the void left behind from E.J. Manuel's high quality stint at FSU will be a difficult task. In two years as starter, Manuel won 21 games and led the 'Noles to their first BCS victory since their BCS National Title in 1999. FSU had sort of lost its limelight as a top notch program because of the overwhelming dominance in their region by the SEC. Questionable recruits and an aging Bobby Bowden gave way to a new coach in Jimbo Fisher and a new era led by Manuel. With Tallahassee prestige restored, the 'Noles now will most likely look to redshirt freshman Jameis Winston who made it into the spotlight himself with some interesting comments about a certain Heisman Trophy winner.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- There's a quarterback competition brewing at Florida State, but Jameis Winston believes the team is loaded with talent no matter who coach Jimbo Fisher chooses to start.
"If we're playing Florida State football, we're going to have a very good team," Winston said. "Look at the numbers."
If he wins the job, the redshirt freshman said any success wouldn't change him.
"If I get [Johnny] 'Manziel disease,' I want every one of y'all to get your mics and just start [hitting me] on the head," he told reporters, adding that Manziel was a good person, based on what he'd heard from other athletes.
Winston had a stellar showing in the spring game, completing 12 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in a quarter against the Seminoles' first team defense.
He scorched veteran defensive back Lamarcus Joyner for a 58-yard touchdown throw on his first play.
"That's a critical factor," Fisher said Sunday. "Those lights on the scoreboard really matter."
Winston, who also plays baseball, has been featured as the newest Seminole superstar despite not taking a single snap in a game. He's up for the job against redshirt sophomore Jacob Coker.
I like, it to be very honest. Winston, a highly skilled, but raw quarterback has already been noted to be outspoken and these comments fall in line with that school of thought. Now you could take this quote as a "shot" at Johnny Manziel, but I don't think he means anything personal. Winston has just pinpointed that in today's world you have to be on your game 24/7 and I think Manziel has put himself in some immature holes that the redshirt freshman wants to avoid. The "disease," he's referring to is letting your accomplishments get to your head, resting on your laurels and basking in the glory instead of trying to sustain it. Could he have said it in a less glaring way? Sure, but you have to enjoy the fact that he's mature enough to recognize the 'round-the-clock scrutiny star college athletes get. The 'Noles hope this maturity will translate to quality decision making and serious composure on the field. If Winston can live up to the hype 6-foot-4, 200 lb frame and quickness, then FSU should be alright.
Winston hasn't won the job, battling redshirt sophomore Jacob Coker, but with the way he's talking and the way coaches speak of him, it seems like the freshman will get the nod. The pressure is on from the get-go as the defending ACC Championship Seminoles come in ranked lower than their rival Clemson, as many predict the Tigers to win the conference. If Winston wins the job, which he most likely will, his toughest test will be at Clemson on October 19th. Win that game and the freshman will have 'Noles fans chomping at the bit for the future. Lose that game and he'll hear about it for 365 days. That's the beauty and the beast of high-prestige college football, especially when you add extra pressure with your words.
All in all, I think FSU is in good hands with Jameis Winston at quarterback, but only time will tell.
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