Fall Camp Preview: Five FSU Newcomers to Watch
By David Visser
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dalvin Cook— Running Back, #4
6-0, 200 lb.
The top recruit in Florida State’s fourth-ranked 2014 class, Dalvin Cook was named the 2013 Florida Mr. Football award winner. He’s the sixth winner of the prize given to the talent-heavy state’s top player to suit up for FSU, joining Anquan Boldin (1998), Adrian McPherson (2000), Leon Washington (2001), Xavier Lee (2003), and Antone Smith (2004).
Senior Karlos Williams is stepping into the lead back role, but Fisher — unlike his mentor, Nick Saban — knows better than to run him into the ground. After all, if the ‘Noles are able to return to the national championship game, it’ll be their 15th game of the year, the last six of which could very well be against bowl teams. All of which underscores the importance of depth, and one of the positions where the pecking order is still being decided is running back.
Cook is currently listed behind Ryan Green and Mario Pender on the depth chart included in FSU’s recently released media guide, but this could certainly change. An injury caused Cook to miss much of spring practice, but he’s ready to go for fall camp and will be looking to prove himself. Pender has had issues qualifying in the past, making Cook’s performance that much more potentially important.
Cook appears to be the complete package. He can juke tacklers behind the line of scrimmage, put his shoulder down through traffic and carry defenders, and possesses breakaway speed to separate as well. He led Miami Central to the 6A state championship, racking up 223 yards and four touchdowns on just 19 carries.