FSU Football: 2017 Preseason Position Preview — Running Backs

In 2017, Florida State will be asked to do something it hasn’t in 20 years. That’s replace its all-time leading rusher.

After becoming the first FSU running back to break the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each of his first three seasons on campus, Dalvin Cook is no longer the focal point of the FSU offense. Cook was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft after being named a Unanimous All-American as a junior in 2016 while shattering the FSU career records for rushing yards and touchdowns.

Despite the loss of one of the best ever to wear the garnet and gold, the Seminoles still look to be in a very good situation when it comes to running backs. Replacing Cook however, probably won’t be a 1-man job.

1. The Name to Know: Jacques Patrick
A junior from Orlando, Jacques Patrick has been a solid compliment to Dalvin Cook over his last two seasons. On 61 carries last season, Patrick averaged 5.7 yards and finished with 350 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Listed at 6-2 and 230 pounds, Patrick is regarded as a power back, but is light on his feet and has the ability to run defenders over or make them miss in the open field.

Patrick also has pretty good hands for a back his size and is a real asset in the red zone. In the only two games in his career where Patrick got at least 20 carries, he eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark. When Patrick gets at least 10 carries in a game, FSU is 5-0.

2. Burning Question: Who Emerges as FSU’s Top Back?
While Patrick is the leading returning rusher for Florida State, there will be a number of FSU backs vying to carry the ball in 2017. Two notable ones are incoming 5-star freshmen in Cam Akers and Khalan Laborn.

Akers led all players in total offense during the spring game while Laborn may be a better receiver out of the backfield. Patrick and the two freshmen are only three of the names vying for carries. One key for FSU backs in head coach Jimbo Fisher’s offense is pass protection.

3. Put Your Future Stock In: Cam Akers
Cam Akers needed just one spring in Tallahassee to catch the attention of national media outlets. Akers has already been named a potential Heisman Trophy candidate for 2017 by some and named a top 100 national player by others. The top prospect from Mississippi, Akers is the complete package when it comes to tailbacks despite playing quarterback at Clinton High School.

Listed at 5-11 and 215 pounds, Akers can run with speed or power and may be the best “wildcat” quarterback that Fisher has ever had should he consider using that package. Akers should be a contributor from the first day. In what capacity he’s used however, remains a question.

4. Other Names to Know: Amir Rasul, Johnahan Vickers, Ryan Green
While Patrick and the two 5-star freshmen have caught the majority of the attention this offseason, those aren’t the only FSU backs looking to tote the rock. Amir Rasul, a 5-10, 195-pounder from Miami, is another player that Fisher and company are really high on. Despite decent size, Rasul is known for his speed and considered a home run threat.

Johnathan Vickers and Ryan Green are two seniors hoping to contribute before their time in Tallahassee runs out. Green has been productive in limited playing time, but has shown the ability to be a good player during the spring. Green moved to cornerback prior to the 2015 season and was expected to battle Marquez White for a starting spot before injuring his shoulder and might be best served to change positions again. Vickers has some meaningful experience in the backfield, but looks to be trying his hand at fullback for 2017 and could compete for the starting job.

5. Food for Thought
From 1997-2012, Florida State did not have a single 1,000-yard rusher. In the last four seasons however, FSU has had one every year, beginning with Devonta Freeman in 2013 and Cook each of the last three years. FSU has also averaged at least five yards per carry as a team in four of the last five years.

With the prospect of FSU going to a running back by committee structure, that would not be uncommon under Fisher. Though Cook has served as the workhorse under Fisher over the last three years, he has had three running backs get at least 80 carries in four of the seven years of his tenure.

Last season, Cook surpassed Warrick Dunn as the school’s all-time leading rusher. FSU was tasked with replacing Dunn in 1997. The leader rusher for the Seminoles that year was Louisiana native Travis Minor. Like Akers, Laborn and Zaquandre White this year, Minor was a freshman.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson