Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston on Monday lived up to all the hype in his debut against Pittsburgh. The freshman scored five touchdowns en route to FSU's 41-13 opening season win, catapulting the expectations of him to even greater heights.
Winston turned in a nearly perfect performance on Monday, completing 25-of-27 passes for 356 yards with four touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. He looked polished and poised in the pocket, pump-faking defenders and methodically picking apart Pittsburgh's defense.
"I just call it a prophecy being fulfilled," FSU cornerback Lamarcus Joyner told ESPN. "I've known since this guy's freshman year out there on scout team making plays that a fifth-year senior EJ Manuel was making, throws like that, I said to myself, 'This guy's going to be special.' Tonight he did pretty great for it being a first time."
"Everyone was excited," said Winston, who started 11-of-11. "It's 'Monday Night Football,' in a pro stadium. I was so pumped for that."
While it was only one game, the 19-year-old freshman turned plenty of heads.
Even with his great debut, Winston believes he can improve and play even better.
"I can get better every single day," Winston said. "I had two busts. I got sacked. I don't like getting sacked. There's so many things that's under the table that people don't see. As an athlete you've gotta get better every day if you want to be successful in the sport you do."
Winston debuts at home on Sept. 14 against Nevada.
