Early Silver Linings for 2015 FSU Football

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Running Backs

FSU fans were salivating over the prospect of Karlos Williams taking over first-string running back duties going into last year, and while the departed Williams accounted for 954 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns, it was first-year player Dalvin Cook who really stole the show, becoming the only freshman in Florida State history to register a 1,000-yard rushing season.

What’s more impressive than that is that Cook did not play in the opener against Oklahoma State, had one carry against Clemson, six against N.C. State, and four against Wake Forrest. In 2015, the ‘Noles will boast Cook for the entire season, and his potential seems limitless.

Cook had two costly fumbles against Oregon, and he has to live with that taste in his mouth throughout the off season. It’s hard to imagine that that memory won’t serve as ample motivation for Cook until he gets the opportunity to shred defenses yet again.

What’s more, the Seminoles will have a healthy Mario Pender available as well, and, frankly, Pender looked even more impressive then Cook before suffering an injury. He seemed to lose a bit of rythym after having to sit out and tried to do a bit too much when he returned, which is entirely understandable. But he should be back in full force, and the pair of Cook and Pender will present a daunting challenge for opposing defenses.