Winston sets decision date
MALIBU, Calif. - The nation's top-rated dual-threat quarterback knows where he wants to play college football - but he doesn't plan to let his secret slip until Aug. 3.
Hueytown, Ala., standout Jameis Winston said Monday at the Elite 11 that Alabama, Florida State and LSU are his three favorites and that he's planning to announce his decision in just about two weeks.
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Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel is here working out with the high school prospects but that probably won't play a major factor in the decision for Winston, one of the top quarterbacks after Day 1.
"It's good seeing (Manuel) out here," Winston said.
"Coach (Jimbo) Fisher is one of the top quarterback coaches in the game. It's a great place but I haven't been down there much. I see Alabama all the time and I've been to LSU recently and that's the last school I've been to.
"There are no leaders now. I'm not saying anything. I know where I want to go though."
Rated No. 1 among dual-threat quarterbacks and No. 52 in the 2012 class by Rivals.com, Winston made a statement Monday by showing off a strong, accurate arm, moving well in the pocket and looking immediately comfortable with all the drills.
He was arguably the best quarterback after one session.
Big rankings are important to Winston, who combined for more than 3,000 yards with 29 touchdowns in his junior season, but he said he's more focused on getting better and improving for his senior year.
Getting a jumpstart on the college game isn't a bad idea, either, and in a couple short weeks he'll make the fans of Alabama, Florida State or LSU happy by announcing his decision.
"I'm just coming out to compete and doing what I have to do to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country," Winston said.
"I'm just a playmaker. That's what you have to do. You have to make the play longer when you're doing stuff and I'm just a playmaker."