Last Thursday night his team fell behind at Louisville by 20 points and the young quarterback did nothing short of exceed all expectations. Even after throwing two interceptions, suffering a nasty ankle sprain, and getting hit by blitzers all night, Jameis stood tall with poise and marched his team back for the improbable win.

Yes, freshman running back Dalvin Cook was also a huge part of why Florida State won (he was practically untouched on 109 yards and two scores) but it started with Winston. Winston calmly executed a quick passing offense to neutralize the blitz once he was injured. That combined with Cook’s electric scampers sealed the deal.

In my mind such a performance could have only come from a player who has “it.” And Jameis has it. Where most quarterbacks would sulk or panic after throwing two picks and getting injured Jameis simply executed the offense with no signs of peril. Say what you want about the guy but he’s simply the kid of stone cold competitor any team wants.

There are still pauses for concern over his immature outbursts (FHRITP!), shoplifting, and interactions with a female student but I think a NFL team will sell themselves on him. I had the same concerns about Cameron Newton coming into the pros and everything worked out for him just fine. As long as Jameis goes to a team with veteran leadership in place to teach him how to be a professional he should be fine.

You’ll see Jameis back in my new mock draft, likely ahead of the Conner Cook and Brett Hundley’s of this draft. There are great prospects in this draft, and then there is the undefeated Heisman trophy winning, crab leg grabbing, post game speech giving Jameis Winston.

CBS is reporting all sorts of bad news. Jenkins even needs screws inserted in his leg to heal from the injury:

Florida State defensive end Brandon Jenkins, a two-time All-ACC selection, will miss the rest of the 2012 season due to a left foot injury, a source told CBS Monday night.

Jenkins is believed to have suffered a Lisfranc injury between the second and third metatarsal bones of his foot, a second source told CBSSports.com senior writer Dennis Dodd. Two or three screws will be inserted to the foot to promote healing.

As far as the draft goes this is very early. If Jenkins decides to go through the combine process then we’ll get a good look at his numbers and see how well he heals up.

Florida State may become the 14th school in the SEC once Texas A&M joins the conference.  The super conferences are becoming real folks…. Here are the details

Andy Haggard, chairman of FSU’s board of trustees, told the Palm Beach Post Tuesday that the school is in the process of forming a committee (not pictured) that will explore FSU’s options as it pertains to future conference affiliation.  Those options would apparently include remaining in the ACC or moving to the SEC if enough conference dominoes tumble.

Source: PFT

 

I am not a big fan of super conferences.  The way the NCAA is already setup only 6 conferences get a legit shot to be the “national” champion in this BCS.  I’ve posted far too many rants on the BCS and how they and these schools are taking advantage of free labor and kid’s dreams.  Now they are pushing more of the smaller conferences and schools out of the “circle” which is going to have a trickle down effect on recruiting, revenues, and the so called National Title.

The BCS schools can do whatever they like.  Until we get a playoff system the National Title really doesn’t mean jack if everyone can’t win it.

Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown tweets on Alabama’s Greg McElroy:

“Greg McElroy of #Alabama may be the best quarterback I’ve seen this week. At least today he was.”

Chad Scott tweets on Miami’s WR Leonard Hankerson:

“I don’t care how good Miami WR Leonard Hankerson looks at the #seniorbowl, I saw him drop enuf critical passes this season 2 not draft him”

Several other people tweeted that Florida State’s Rodney Hudson was extremely impressive.  He did a lot of work at the center position.

The following teams showed interest into prospects:

Oakland Raiders were very interested in Allen Bailey of Miami.

Denver Broncos spoke to TCU’s Andy Dalton and Oregon’s Casey Matthews.

Now keep in mind that there is a lot of football left to be played. A lot of these guys could end up completely shattering expectations, or fizzing out the rest of the way. But for right now, here is where I have them.

1. Ryan Mallett – QB Arkansas

Even though he had that bad second half vs. Alabama I still have to rank him #1.  At 6’7 and over 240 lbs. he is the biggest QB prospect since Jamarcus Russell.  I know, not exactly a compliment but Mallett has an NFL arm and is making tough throws right now.  He plays in a pass happy offense so he also throws a lot more picks than you’d like to see but all in all no one in the nation is outplaying Mallett right now.

Yoo! Im going to the 49ers!

2. Andrew Luck- QB Stanford

Andrew Luck was a very interesting prospect going into the season.  I personally wanted to see what he could do without Toby Gerhart behind him.  Well all he did was throw for 1200 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions so far this year with a 62% completion rate.  He struggled in the second half against Oregon and threw two picks during that game, but all in all he has the accuracy and poise you look for in any prospect.

3. (Tie) Christian Ponder- QB Florida State, Jake Locker- QB Washington

I almost don’t want to rank him here because of how slow he started the season.  Needless to say, CP7ForHeisman.com became pretty obselete quickly as Ponder threw for 117 yards and 2 interceptions vs. Oklahoma.  On top of that he had a 39% completion rate in the game. Ouch.  Ponder bounced back with over a 64% completion rate in the next two games.  His stock is still relatively hot because Ponder has all the talent in the world and the mobility to make any NFL team interested.

Then there is Locker, who has all the physical talent in the world but no signature moments or big games to display it so far.  Yes, he beat USC once (this seasons game with USC Washington won as well but Locker was injured) but that has been about it.  He really has not put it all together in a big time passing display.

You also have to go back to the 4/20 completion rate against Nebraska and wonder if Locker is really on the same level passing the ball as the other top prospects.  To this Broncos fan, Jake Locker reminds me all too well of one Jay Cutler.

Nick Foles has a 74% completion rate this season

4. Nick Foles – QB Arizona

Foles is a junior and should stay in school to cement his selection as the first QB taken in 2012.  But if he takes a page from Jevan Snead’s playbook and comes out early, he will find a suitor on day one in the draft.  Foles has thrown for an amazing 74% completion rate so far.  The 6 touchdown to 4 interception rate has to get better though.