Florida State Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

3. Who replaces Dalvin Cook? 

Nobody is likely to match Cook’s sheer production as one of the most explosive players in the nation, but Florida State has some intriguing replacement options that will get some playing time on Saturday.

Cook piled up nearly 4,000 yards from scrimmage with 40 total touchdowns over the past two seasons and was the key factor in Florida State’s Orange Bowl win over Michigan with Francois struggling. The likely first-round pick was the second-leading receiver for the Seminoles in 2016, and his big play ability helped Francois immensely.

Jacques Patrick opens the spring atop the depth chart and has performed capably enough as a backup over the past two seasons, although he isn’t the same threat as a receiver. An important player to watch moving forward will be sophomore Amir Rasul, who only had six carries a year ago but was one of the top running backs of the class of 2016 thanks to his outstanding speed.

Even more eyes will be on incoming freshman Sam Akers, a five-star recruit regarded as the best running back prospect in the country. Akers appears ready to contribute right away, and Florida State’s backfield should be in great shape if he can live up to the considerable hype.

Again, the Seminoles will need a terrific effort on the ground to beat Alabama, as the Crimson Tide’s secondary looks stacked heading into 2017.