Jameis Winston: Florida State Seminoles QB nearly drafted by Miami Marlins

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) passes the football against the Auburn Tigers during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Jameis Winston is a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback and a national champion after one season on the football field for the Florida State Seminoles, but prior to arriving in Tallahassee two years ago, he could have been a member of the Miami Marlins organization.

Jun 9, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State pitcher Jameis Winston (44) pitches during the Tallahassee super regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Marlins were one of the teams to scout the Hueytown, AL two-sport star who ended up being drafted in the 15th round by the Texas Rangers, but backed off drafting him when it became apparent he was headed to Florida State.

Despite not drafting the eventual Heisman and national champion, Miami Vice President of Scouting Stan Meek knew Winston was a versatile talent.

"“Our guys liked him athletically,” Meek said. “Good arm off the mound. He had power. He could run. You love to get those guys if you can. We just didn’t feel like under the system we were in, we were going to be able to sign him. We didn’t spend a lot of time on him. He made it known real quickly that he was going to go to Florida State.”"

After taking the college football world by storm as a redshirt freshman, Winston does not have any plans of scrapping his plans for playing baseball for the Seminoles this spring and continuing his dream of playing in the Major Leagues.

Could he be the next Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders or Brian Jordan and excel on the gridiron and the diamond? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts.

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