Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston
Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reuters

Jameis Winston is done with college football choosing to go professional next season as the college star quarterback decided to enter the 2015 National Football League (NFL) Draft issuing an official statement on Wednesday. The Legacy Agency, which will represent Winston in his pro venture, sent to the media a press release explaining the decision.

"After weighing this decision with my family and friends, I have decided to declare for the 2015 NFL draft and forgo my remaining eligibility at Florida State. I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State,” Winston said in the statement. “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to wear the garnet and gold and have greatly enjoyed my time as a Seminole, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom.”

Winston, who played for two years for the Florida State Seminoles, also thanked the fans, his teammates and coaches during his time with the the team, which went undefeated in the regular season for a 13-0 record and made the first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal game. They lost in the semifinal match-up against Oregon, 59-20. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner had 348 passing yards on 29-of-45 completions with a touchdown and an interception in his last game in college football. In the previous season, he led Florida State to the national championship with a 34-31 win over Auburn in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game.

Winston, who is a expected to be a sure first rounder in the NFL draft and could go as high as sixth according to projections, finished his career in college with a 27–1 record as a starter and completed 562 of 851 passes for 7,964 yards, 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. However, NFL teams could be hesitant to pick him because of his off-the-field issues including a rape allegation and school misdemeanours.

To contact author of this article, email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au

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