Jameis Winston: Latest Comments, Speculation Surrounding 2015 NFL Draft Decision

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has been one of the most talked-about prospects heading toward the 2015 NFL draft. A final decision on his status wasn't expected until after the National Championship Game on Jan. 12, but his father has stated that his son intends to declare.

Continue for updates.

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Winston's Father: Jameis Intends to Declare

Wednesday, Jan. 7

ESPN's David M. Hale reported Winston's intensions to declare for the 2015 draft:

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Jameis Winston won't be back in a Florida State uniform next season, his father said Wednesday, opting instead to enter the NFL draft.

Initially, Antonor Winston said his son planned to wait until after the College Football Playoff Game Presented by AT&T to announce a decision, but instead, Jameis Winston came to a firm decision Tuesday night that he was ready to enter the NFL draft.

Antonor Winston said his son received a first-round grade from the NFL draft advisory committee, and many experts have Jameis Winston ranked among the top two quarterbacks potentially available in the draft, along with fellow Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota.

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This is a major decision for Winston, his family, the FSU program and teams searching for a quarterback in the draft. Winston is a dynamic player, but it remains to be seen how his off-field issues will impact his draft stock.

"Winston's father said initial plans to delay an announcement were scuttled by extensive media attention and that after Jameis Winston prayed on the decision Tuesday night, he felt comfortable with his plan to leave for the NFL. A formal announcement is expected Wednesday afternoon," Hale stated.

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Winston's Father Provides Timeline for Decision Announcement

Tuesday, Jan. 6 

David M. Hale of ESPN.com reported comments from the redshirt sophomore's father, Antonor Winston, who suggested no announcement would come before the title game between Oregon and Ohio State:

"Antonor Winston said the timetable for an announcement will be sometime after Monday, which means at least another week of waiting for Florida State fans, many of whom have already assumed the star quarterback will depart," Hale reported.

Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports reported that Winston is serious about considering a return to Florida State:

Winston is an interesting case. He was nothing short of outstanding during his freshman campaign en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. His numbers dipped this season, however, which along with some off-field issues could raise flags for front offices around the NFL, as the report notes.

It would've been a major surprise if he decided to return to the Seminoles, though. He's considered an elite prospect who will likely battle with Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota to become the first player at the position off the board this spring.

Safid Deen of Nole Sports states FSU director of compliance Derrick Coles had sent out a message of support for three underclassmen, including Winston, believed to be strongly considering going pro. It was quickly removed:

Going back to school would've represented a serious risk for the quarterback. If the decline continued, he would be putting himself in position to see his stock drop off considerably.

The absolute latest date for Winston to make a choice is Jan. 15, the deadline for underclassmen.