FSU's Dalvin Cook not among Heisman Trophy finalists
Florida State star junior tailback Dalvin Cook was omitted from the list of five Heisman Trophy finalists on Monday evening.
The Heisman finalists were Louisville's Lamar Jackson, Oklahoma duo Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook, Michigan's Jabrill Peppers and Clemson's Deshaun Watson. The announcement was made during ESPN's Monday Night Countdown.
The news comes a day after Cook and the Seminoles (9-3) learned they'll face Peppers and the Wolverines (10-2) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Peppers joins Jackson and Watson as one of the three Heisman finalists on the Seminoles' schedule this season.
Although Cook was not among the finalists, he's provided consistency for the No. 28 offense in the nation. He rushed 268 times for 1,620 yards and 18 touchdowns. He ranks sixth nationally in carries, rushing yards and touchdowns.
Cook also broke or set numerous school records in what could be his final season. He has yet to announce if he'll forgo his junior season and declare for the NFL Draft.
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After rushing for a freshman school-record 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014, Cook became one of college football's most notable figures as a sophomore. He would rush 229 times for 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns in a season hindered by ankle and hamstring injuries.
Cook made a run for the Heisman yet was one of five running backs to finish in the Top 10 in voting. The award was won by Alabama running back Derrick Henry with Stanford's all-purpose running back Christian McCaffrey finishing second.
FSU is home to three Heisman winners in quarterbacks Charlie Ward, Chris Weinke and Jameis Winston. The Seminoles are tied for the fifth-most Heisman winners in NCAA history. Notre Dame and Ohio State are tied for first with seven and are followed by Southern California and Oklahoma.
The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday.
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