The 2015 season is less than two months away and for the majority of the offseason, the Seminoles have had much to feel good about in regards to the running back position. That was until Friday when the school announced the indefinite suspension of sophomore Dalvin Cook.
FSU now looks to have more questions than answers, but still, the Seminoles have a very talented backfield. Depending on what happens with Cook, it could become a very thin one. Here’s a look at the names to know in the Florida State backfield for 2015:
The Headliner
Dalvin Cook, Sophomore
For now, Dalvin Cook is part of the team, but given his recent arrest for battery against a woman, that appears subject to change. Last season, Cook became the first freshman in FSU history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, going for 1,008 with 8 touchdowns. Cook possesses blazing speed and has a knack for making defenders miss.
Down the stretch of the 2014 season, Cook was the biggest weapon for the FSU offense as he finished with at least 100 yards rushing in each of the Seminoles’ final three games. Cook was expected to carry the load offensively this season for the Seminoles and was named a Maxwell finalist earlier this week. Losing Cook to suspension or dismissal would serve as a huge blow to the team.
The Sleeper
Mario Pender, Redshirt Junior
After fighting through injury and suspension during his first two years in Tallahassee, Mario Pender finally stepped onto the field last season. As a sophomore, Pender averaged 5 yards-per-carry and scored five total touchdowns on just 51 touches. With Karlos Williams having graduated and Cook’s FSU future highly in question, Pender could be in for a break-through season in 2015.
The Future
Jacques Patrick, Freshman
Jacques Patrick hasn’t played in a regular season game yet for the Seminoles, but his performance in the Garnet and Gold game has Seminole fans raving about what he’ll be capable of in the future. A freshman out of Timber Creek High School, Patrick is a load at 6’1″ and 232 pounds. He’s likely going to be the Seminoles’ go-to back when it comes to running between the tackles in 2015, but Patrick is deceptively quick also. If Cook is unable to go, Patrick could serve as the team’s workhorse.
Other Names to Know
Freddie Stevenson, Junior (Fullback)
Entering 2014, Freddie Stevenson had a large legacy to live up to after predecessors Lonnie Pryor and Chad Abram had such productive careers from the fullback position. In his first year as the team’s starter, Stevenson more than held his own as a lead-blocker although the rushing offense for FSU in 2014 was suspect overall. As one of the more experienced skill players on the roster, Stevenson could also see more touches this season after just eight total last season.
Overview
What was one of Florida State’s most solid positions became a big question mark on Friday as Dalvin Cook was suspended indefinitely. Cook was largely regarded as the Seminoles’ biggest playmaker offensively, but if FSU is forced to play without him, it still has two tailbacks it can feel very good about. Mario Pender and Jacques Patrick are both very capable backs, but the two have just 41 combined collegiate carries. Without Cook, the Seminoles would be very thin at tailback and with so many young pass-catchers and an inexperienced offensive line, that could spell trouble for 2015.
