Jameis Winston named Buccaneers starting quarterback

Coach Lovie Smith first notified Winston of the move during the off-season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named Jameis Winston their starting quarterback for the 2015 season, the team announced on Friday.

“Jameis Winston will be our starting quarterback, he’ll take the first reps tomorrow,” head coach Lovie Smith said. “We’re excited about that.”

Smith initially told Winston that he would be the team's starter during the off-season, but has not presented the depth chart to the team yet.

Winston was selected with the first pick in the 2015 NFL draft after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2013 and leading Florida State to the 2014 national title.

The 21-year-old inked a four-year, $23.35 million contract with the Buccaneers that also included a a $16.7 million signing bonus.

Winston will take his first reps as the starting quarterback when the team opens training camp on Aug. 1. The Buccaneers open preseason play in Minnesota on Aug. 15.

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- Christopher Chavez