Several incoming freshmen have already announced what jersey numbers they would be wearing in 2017. One of the more intriguing is running back Khalan Laborn, who chose No. 4.
Laborn is one of three incoming blue-chip freshmen at the position and was the top player from Virginia in 2017 as a 5-star prospect. Like with most other jersey numbers at FSU, Laborn will have big shoes to fill.
In this piece, we look at the best players ever to wear No. 4. For players like P.K. Sam, Chris Thompson and Brandon Jenkins who wore the number for only one year, they will only be up for consideration while wearing the number.
Without further ado, here are the five best Seminoles ever to wear No. 4:
5. Tarvarus McFadden (2016-Present)
Cornerback
Stats: 24 total tackles, 3 for loss, 8 interceptions
Despite wearing No. 4 for just one season, Tarvarus McFadden made the list. McFadden switched from No. 15 to No. 4 prior to last season and went on to lead the nation in interceptions with eight. At 6-2 and nearly 200 pounds, McFadden is a physical corner with excellent technique who got better as his sophomore year went on. McFadden was named a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association.
4. Peter Tom Willis (1986-89)
Quarterback
Stats: 61 percent completions, 4,291 yards passing, 33 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions
After serving as Florida State’s backup to Chip Ferguson and Danny McManus for three years, Peter Tom Willis finally got to start as a senior in 1989 and what a year it was. Willis finished seventh in the country with 3,124 yards passing and led FSU to a Fiesta Bowl victory over Nebraska and a No. 3 final ranking. Willis was named an honorable mention All-American that year. His six touchdown passes against Memphis remains a school-record.
3. Anquan Boldin (1999-02)
Wide Receiver
Stats: 118 catches, 1,790 yards receiving, 21 touchdown receptions, 1 rushing touchdown
A high school quarterback out of Pahokee, Anquan Boldin was a dependable receiver during his time at Florida State. After a solid sophomore campaign in 2000, Boldin was slated to succeed Chris Weinke as the starting quarterback in 2001, but missed the entire campaign with a knee injury. After moving back out wide in 2002, Boldin finished with 1,011 yards receiving and finished third in the nation with 13 touchdown grabs. He was named a second-team All-ACC selection.
2. Jessie Hester (1981-84)
Wide Receiver
Stats: 107 catches, 2,100 yards receiving, 21 touchdown receptions, 1 rushing touchdown
The leading receiver for Florida State over his final three seasons in Tallahassee, Jessie Hester was the definition of a deep threat. Hester averaged nearly 20 yards per catch for his career and still ranks in the top 10 in school-history in touchdown catches. His nine touchdown receptions in 1984 was tied for fourth in the country as Hester was named an honorable mention All-American.
1. Dalvin Cook (2014-16)
Running Back
Stats: 4,464 yards rushing, 6.5 yards per carry, 46 rushing touchdowns, 935 yards receiving, 2 touchdown receptions
The list is topped by Florida State’s all-time leading rusher. In just three years at FSU, Cook surpassed what greats like Warrick Dunn and Greg Allen were able to do in four. In 2014, he became the first FSU freshman to rush for 1,000 yards despite not becoming a mainstay in the backfield until mid-season. Cook was an All-American in each of his final two seasons in Tallahassee and a Unanimous All-American in 2016. In 38 career games, Cook rushed for at least 100 yards 22 times and hit the 200-yard mark on four occasions.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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