Jameis Winston still has heart set on playing baseball, too

Ira Schoffel | USA TODAY Sports

Show Caption Hide Caption Jameis Winston's Heisman journey in his own words Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was named the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Saturday. Here is a look back at the redshirt freshman’s journey to college football’s most prestigious award.

NEW YORK — Long before Jameis Winston enrolled at Florida State, his dream was to play baseball and football at the college and professional levels.

Winning the 2013 Heisman Trophy hasn't done anything to change those goals.

Speaking to reporters late Saturday night after he won the Heisman in a landslide vote, Winston said he still has every intention to play baseball for the Seminoles this spring. He even gave a shoutout to "11" and "Meat" — head baseball coach Mike Martin Sr. and assistant coach Mike Martin Jr. — during his acceptance speech.

As a freshman, Winston played outfield, designated hitter and pitched in relief.

"I don't feel I can play football without baseball," Winston said. "I don't feel I can play baseball without football."

Winston said he hopes to play Major League Baseball and in the NFL at the same time.

"I believe you can do anything you put your mind to," Winston said. "Especially with my hard work and determination. I can do anything that I want to do."

If Winston is able to pull off that feat, it would be reminiscent of former Seminole star Deion Sanders and former Auburn Tiger Bo Jackson. While neither of those players pitched or played quarterback, the Jackson comparison is often drawn because he hails from Winston's hometown of Bessemer, Ala.

Winston said he met Jackson once at an Auburn football game, and they also spoke once on the phone.

"He's a way better athlete than I ever will be," Winston said. "But hopefully I can be to his standard one day. Hopefully I can be better than Bo."

FSU football coach Jimbo Fisher said he has no problem with his star quarterback's plan to play baseball. In fact, he thinks it might help create a diversion from all the hype that will follow him winning the Heisman.

Winston also gave Florida State fans something to cheer about during his media session Saturday. While explaining how much emphasis his parents placed on him earning a college degree, the redshirt freshman said he is in no hurry to pursue professional sports.

Winston will be eligible to enter the NFL Draft following the 2014 season, but he said that's not in his plans right now.

"Education's always first thing," Winston said. "So when people keep asking, 'Jameis, are you leaving next year?' and all this stuff, I say, 'I need my education.' That's what it's really about."

Ira Schoffel also writes for The Tallahassee Democrat