Florida State Names Jameis Winston As Starter

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has named Jameis Winston as its starting quarterback.

The announcement was made after Friday’s practice.

The redshirt freshman completed 12 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in Florida State’s spring game in April.

Fisher chose Winston over redshirt sophomore Jacob Coker, who threw just five passes in 2012. Coker completed 15 of 26 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions in the Seminoles’ spring game.

Winston is replacing EJ Manuel, who was Florida State’s all-time leading passer in terms of completion percentage. Manuel was a first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in April.

Fisher said he felt comfortable with both quarterbacks but that Winston was a little more consistent during preseason camp. He said the competition between the two quarterbacks made them better and that the decision was like splitting hairs.