One of the biggest reasons for Jameis Winston’s standout play as a redshirt freshman quarterback for Florida State has been how much time he has had to stand in the pocket.
Winston is quick to point out that he has benefited from a standout offensive line that features senior center Bryan Stork and four juniors – tackles Cameron Erving and Bobby Hart and guards Tre Jackson and Bobby Matias.
“It’s just a blessing to have all these guys around me,” said Winston, who has completed 69.9 percent of his passes for 2,177 yards and 23 touchdowns. “You just have giants all around you. I always tell people how nice they are. But they protect me. … I just love them.”
The only new starter in the group is Hart, who replaced right tackle Menelik Watson (a second-round pick in April by the Oakland Raiders). Hart, a 19-year-old junior, has improved significantly this season.
“Bobby has great ability,” coach Jimbo Fisher said of Hart. “It was just a matter of him maturing and growing into it. I thought we saw (him progress) in the spring and fall.”
The line has fared well in clearing holes for the running backs as well. FSU is averaging 212.3 rushing yards per game and 5.7 yards per carry.
Overall, the Seminoles have scored a touchdown on 54.2 percent of their drives this season, good for second in the nation behind only Baylor’s 57 percent. The Seminoles have 45 touchdowns on 83 drives.
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