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Jameis Winston: Yankees' Derek Jeter left me 'starstruck'

Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston went hitless in two plate appearances Tuesday, when the Florida State Seminoles faced the New York Yankees in an exhibition game in Tampa, Fla.

Winston, who has made it known that his goal is to be the next Bo Jackson by playing in both the NFL and Major League Baseball, entered the game in the fifth inning and played left field. He grounded out in the sixth and struck out looking on a full count in the eighth.

Winston told USA Today that playing against the Yankees was "surreal," joking that the experience was "probably better than winning the national championship."

"The favorite part of the day was just being out here," said Winston, who led the Seminoles to the BCS national title over Auburn last season. "Being around a bunch of big league guys, and they proved it. They beat us."

Actually, Winston said, the highlight of his day was meeting some of the Yankees stars, including Derek Jeter, who Winston said was his idol growing up.

"I was kind of starstruck," he said. "I kept telling them it was an honor to meet them. And it really was. I guess it feels like when I talk to little kids, how they feel sometimes. They get speechless. That's how I was when I was with Mr. Jeter."

Winston, who is the Seminoles' closer, is viewed by some scouts as a longshot to make it in the majors. He has made three appearances this season, retiring 12 of 13 batters without allowing a run, with an opponents' batting average of .077.

After Tuesday's exhibition, he told ESPN.com, "I probably have more success in football, but baseball is a passion of mine, and I want to play as long as possible."

Follow College Football 24/7 on Twitter _@NFLCFB_.

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