THIBODAUX, La. -- Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston isn't commenting on his father's assertion that the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback will play two more seasons with the Seminoles, presumably before moving onto the NFL, but he was adamant about what would keep him in Tallahassee that long, and it isn't football.
"I'm not really worried about that," Winston said of his father's remarks last month. "I'm just focusing on the season right now, because this year is going to be one to remember."
But Winston left no doubt that he intends to first earn a degree at FSU, something that would almost certainly require a couple more years in school. He is a social sciences major, with a minor in business, and he's all business about completing his education.
"It's very important to me. I was always raised as a student first and an athlete second," Winston said. "I think that's the main purpose in college. Some athletes lose that perspective. It's about being a student-athlete, and not just getting that easy money and going to the league. Even if kids leave early, I would want them to come back and get that degree."
NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks sees nothing but positives about the prospect of Winston playing two more years at the college level.
Winston is among many top college quarterbacks that are working as camp counselors at the Manning Passing Academy this weekend at Nicholls State. Winston said he was "blown off my feet" to receive an invitation to the MPA when he went to New Orleans last year to receive the Manning Award as the nation's top quarterback.
As a third-year sophomore this fall, Winston would be eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft if he had a change of heart. In earning a national championship and a Heisman Trophy in his first year as a starter, there already isn't much left for Winston to prove athletically. Academically, however, he has plenty left to accomplish.
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