Jameis Winston on starting role: ‘I haven’t earned it until I get it’
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston worked mainly with the second-team offense during Tuesday’s minicamp, but the first overall pick – and expected starter – is taking it all in stride.
“As soon as I earn it,” Winston told the Tampa Bay Times when asked about when he should take snaps as the starter. “With this camp being the last week (before training camp in August), I feel like I’ve had great practices day in and day out and I’m just enjoying it. I haven’t earned it until I get it.”
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Winston has rotated with Mike Glennon throughout the offseason and Bucs head coach Lovie Smith said that will continue this week. However, Smith won’t just hand the starting gig over to the rookie so easily. He has to earn it.
“I have a plan and a part of that plan is for Jameis to get a certain amount of reps with certain guys,” Smith said. “He’s gone with the ones. He’s gone with the twos. At the same time, it’s not just about Jameis. We need to get our backup quarterback ready, too.”
Winston has no problem with Smith’s approach.
“I’m not frustrated at all,” Winston said. “In this world you’ve got to earn everything you can get and I’m so blessed to play this great game of football and be out here with these guys. This is my last week to enjoy this game for a long time.”
The reality of the situation is that it’s only June. Once August rolls around – that’s when reps can be scrutinized. And that’s when Winston will take over the starting role full-time.
“Before long, when we get back together, it will be for real. Then the depth chart counts. Where guys are getting reps count,” Smith said.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
