RB Recruiting Breakdown: Who's coming, going for FSU?

Don't miss out on any of our exclusive Football coverage. Get your 30-day Free Trial

With the 2016 college football season winding down, it's time to look closer at Florida State's 2017 recruiting class. The Seminoles currently have 14 commitments in the fold, and with a small senior class graduating, they are expecting to sign between 21-25 this February.

Over the next few weeks, we will take a position-by-position look at the Seminoles' recruiting efforts through four key areas: Who they're losing; who's coming back; who they've landed; and who they're targeting.

This installment is on the running backs. Previous editions: Quarterbacks |

Although he hasn't said so publicly, all indications are that star junior tailback Dalvin Cook will be taking his talents to the NFL next season. Cook, a junior, owns most of FSU's most prestigious rushing records -- he recently became the school's all-time career rushing leader and career rushing touchdown leader. Although running backs typically aren't selected as high by the NFL as they once were, many believe Cook will be a first-round pick if he enters the 2017 draft.

FSU also is losing starting fullback Freddie Stevenson, who has been a stalwart since taking over the starting job three years ago.

Despite losing a pair of multi-year starters in the offensive backfield, the Seminoles still could have the ACC's most talented stable of running backs.

Former five-star recruit Jacques Patrick will be a true junior in 2017, and he has looked better and better during his opportunities in relief of Dalvin Cook. Patrick averages 5.8 yards per carry, which is just a tad lower than Cook's 6.0. And while the 6-foot-2, 231-pounder doesn't possess the same type of breakaway speed, he has the size to be a punishing downhill runner.

FSU also will return fifth-year senior Ryan Green, senior Jonathan Vickers and speedy sophomore Amir Rasul at tailback. And at fullback, the Seminoles will have 2016 signee Gabe Nabers and walk-on Colton Plante.