BigBendBureau_LeonCounty: December 2013

Winston's era begins

By: Alton Ford

The addition of red-shirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston in the starting lineup of the Florida State Seminoles has propelled the team to an undefeated season. The Noles have not went undefeated since the ’99 season when they won their last national championship. In years past, the Seminoles were highly anticipated for a national title appearance but ended their season with lackluster performances. The newly appointed head coach, Jimbo Fisher, took over Seminole great Bobby Bowden’s position back in 2011. Each season since proved to be better than the last while improving in the win category. During the 2012 season the Noles were led by, senior quarterback and current Buffalo Bills quarterback, E.J Manuel in hopes of a winning it all. Similar to past performances, Manuel came up short during two pivotal games that led to losses for the Seminoles. Now in 2013, majority of the Seminole roster is the same except for those that have went on to the NFL, including Manuel. Comparisons have been and are continued to be made between Winston and Manuel over crediting the Noles current success.

FSU is regarded for its players transferring over to the professional level. Other than the quarterback position, the Seminoles currently have stand-out players in the NFL who are widely known around the league. Stats would say that FSU quarterbacks do not translate well in the pros. For example, Christian Ponder who is one of the quarterbacks on the depth chart for the Minnesota Vikings is the only quarterback currently in the NFL from FSU other than last year’s draft E.J Manuel. The problem with both players is that during their college career they were prone to consistently not show up in big games.

When interviewing current FSU veterans on the roster, they expressed their opinions of Manuel’s leadership and his performance versus that of Jameis Winston.

FSU starting running back and Miami native, Devonta Freeman said, “He knows what to say and what not to say,” referring to Winston. “He always has a smile on his face. He uplifts me when I’m down.”

When speaking of Winston, FSU offensive lineman, Cameron Erving said, “He’s a natural leader. People gravitate to guys with positive energy and positive leadership. They don’t like to gravitate towards negative.”

Though Erving did not say Manuel was negative, it seems as if he was insinuating that Manuel’s leadership could have used some improvement.

FSU WR Kelvin Benjamin said that the team has come together more since Winston has taken over the quarterback position, while senior WR Kenny Shaw said that the Noles have created a brotherhood that was absent in the past, which shows up on Saturdays.

BigBendBureau_LeonCounty

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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