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Jameis Winston Staying at Florida State 2 More Years, How Baseball Influenced His Decision

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Jameis Winston was part of a top-notch recruiting class and helped Florida State score another one this year and now he confirmed he will be sticking around another two years.

Jimbo Fisher told Noles247.com that Winston would be staying at Florida State two more years, one year more than he needs to declare for the NFL. Under NFL rules, a player wishing to go pro needs to spend three seasons out of high school, meaning Winston only needed one more.

"Everybody says he's going to stay one year and leave," Fisher said. "Which I don't think that's true. I think it will be two."

Winston confirmed his coach's assertion to the Associated Press and said two more years in school will also help him develop his baseball career.

"Obviously I'm a big baseball person, so that's an accurate statement because I plan on playing baseball next season anyway," said Winston.

Winston was named the Seminoles' closer, but he is also a switch-hitting outfielder and designated hitter as well. He was recently named to Baseball America's third team All-America as a utility player. The Heisman winner was even drafted in the 2012 amateur draft by the Texas Rangers, but elected to go to Florida State instead.

At 20-years-old, Winston already has some NFL draft experts excited, saying he will be a near-lock for the first round whenever he declares. With a mid-90s fastball and two more seasons to improve, Winston also has time to make a strong case for the MLB.

"Obviously, I'm not even worried about the draft and stuff like that," Winston said. "I'm worried about winning championships here at Florida State."

A five-star recruit himself, Winston helped Florida State attract two highly ranked wide receivers to the school, Fisher told 247Noles.com. Florida State landed four-star receivers Ermon Lane and Travis Rudolph, as well as four-star running back Dalvin Cook.

Said Fisher, "I thought Jameis did a great job in helping us recruit those guys."

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