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FSU Football: ‘Noles To Have Best Running Backs In ACC In 2017

By Kelvin Hunt

Nov 11, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Jacques Patrick (9) picks up a first down against the Boston College Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State won 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Jacques Patrick (9) picks up a first down against the Boston College Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State won 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /
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FSU football returns a lot of talent on the offensive side of the football in 2017. The most talented position could be at running back.

Related Story: Offensive Line Named Sleeper Unit In 2017

ESPN’s Andrea Adelson continues her look at the best units in ACC football for the upcoming 2017 season. She finally ends her love affair with Clemson and names FSU’s running backs best in the ACC:

"This was one of the toughest calls to make when doing the rankings because this one is based on potential alone. Dalvin Cook is gone after putting together a record-setting Florida State career.To replace him, the Seminoles have: two of the top four running backs in the class of 2017 in Cam Akers (No. 1) and Khalan Laborn (No. 4); Amir Rasul, the No. 7 running back in 2016; and Jacques Patrick, the No. 3 running back in the class of 2015. On paper, this is the most talented group in the ACC. But will these players live up to their advance billing and high expectations?"

Thoughts

She’s right the ranking is based mostly on potential. Jacques Patrick is the most experienced running back on the roster, and he has less than 130 carries over two years. He showed improvement his sophomore season, and showed that he is finally running like the power back that he can be.

Amir Rasul saw limited action his freshman season, but is extremely talented and a nice complement to Patrick with his speed and agility.

Probably one of the most overlooked things here will be the FSU football offensive line which should be better in 2017. There’s experience returning and players from the best offensive line haul in the nation in 2016 vying for their spot in the rotation.

Those guys should be able to open up nice holes for the backs to run through. I expect Jimbo Fisher to use a running back by committee approach, and ride the players that are playing the best. If Patrick and Rasul are able to hold on to those spots, that’s great.

Next: ESPN's FPI Index Shows FSU Strength of Schedule Is Legit

If not, that means some supremely talented backs have surpassed them and found their way on the field.

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