Yes, he’s young. But that isn’t the only way to judge Bucs’ quarterback Jameis Winston.
“One thing I’ve learned,” Winston, 21, said Saturday. “If you can play, it doesn’t matter what age you are. I believe we have a great team in place for success, and I’m looking forward to the season. I can’t wait.”
Well, he had to. The Bucs’ first practices on Saturday were rained out. The team will try to return to the field today.
Winston said it was “a blessing” to be quickly named as the team’s starting quarterback.
“I’m ready to play now,” he said. “Ready to practice. Ready to get things going.
“You’ve just got to able to compete. You’ve got to have to the will to win, and you’ve got to fight. You’ve got to have your teammates behind you. It’s one thing getting players to play with you…it’s getting players to play for you. So, I’ve just got to keep competing, keep getting better every single day. I’m not perfect, but I will compete my butt off.”
As far as comparing him to the redshirt freshman who played well for FSU, Winston says he’s better now.
“I’ve matured since I was an 18-year-old kid getting into mischievous things,” Winston said, although some might challenge his use of the word “mischievous.” “Now, I love this opportunity that I’ve been given. My dream as always to be a professional quarterback, And I’ve achieved that dream.”
Winston said he approves of the offense installed by new coordinator Dirk Koetter.
“I love Coach Koetter’s offense,” he said. “It’s a great offense. The concepts are very similar to the ones we had at Florida State. I’m blessed to have played at Florida State, but Coach Koetter’s offense is just amazing.
“I’m just eager to play football, man. I just want to play. The game of football is the game of football. Obviously, the competition is part of the sport.”
