Dalvin Cook’s brother de-commits
FSU’s depth would limit his playing time
James Cook, the younger brother of former star Florida State star Dalvin Cook, has withdrawn his commitment to the Seminoles.
James Cook announced his decision on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, posting, “After talking it over with my family and coaches I feel like it would be in my best interest to de-commit from Florida State University. Also, I would like to thank coach Jimbo Fisher and the entire coaching staff for believing in me and my athletic abilities. It’s nothing personal just business. #Blessed”
Cook would have faced an uphill battle earning snaps at the position, with FSU bringing in three running backs in the 2017 recruiting class and incumbent starter Jacques Patrick holding two more years of eligibility.
Cook has the potential to start as a freshman in college and likely would face an easier path to the field elsewhere.
The Miami Central standout is rated a four-star prospect in 247Sports.com’s composite rankings. Cook is ranked the No. 6 class of 2018 prospect in the state of Florida and the No. 3 running back recruit in the nation.
Cook originally committed to FSU in March 2016 and reclassified from the class of 2019 to the class of 2018 two months later because his age would have limited howmuch he could have played during his senior high school season under Florida High School Athletic Association age eligibility rules.
The news wasn’t all bad for the Seminoles on Tuesday.
Class of 2018 Rockledge Senior High wide receiver Antoine Green, rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, announced his commitment to Florida State via his Twitter account.
After thanking his mom and coaches, Green wrote, “At this time Iwould like to announce that I will be pursuingmy education and football career at The Florida State University. #Tribe18#NoleNation #Committed.”
Green is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete who would bring size, speed and play-making ability to the FSU lineup. He is rated the 94th prospect in Florida and No. 101 receiver in the nation by 247Sports.
With the changes Tuesday, the Seminoles now have 11commitments in the 2018 class, which is listed as No. 10 nationally in the 247Sports national recruiting class rankings.
Knights’ plan
TheUCFAthletics Association released a strategic plan that emphasizes efforts to help athletes succeed and a push for the Knights to be known as “Orlando’s Hometown Team.”
The plan is designed to be used through 2022.
UCF athletics director Danny White initiated the strategic planning effort, working with a steering committee that involved a mix of representatives from the campus and community. Orlando Magic CEO andUCF trustee Alex Martins and Raymond James financial adviser Anne Marie Williams, a former UCF athlete, were among the committee members.
The priorities highlighted include helping athletes success in the classroom, on the field and as they prepare for postgraduate careers; building resources to support athletes and coaches; developing stronger branding and messaging to better promote UCF athletics; competitive success; and fostering a culture of strong character.
The 28-page report offers a variety of ways UCF hopes to achieve success in each area, leading with an emphasis on athletes’ academic success and health.