The history of the program is written on fleet feet.
Yes, they know FSU for its quarterbacks, like most of the state schools. The three Heisman Trophies won have all been by quarterbacks.
Along the way, however, running backs have helped to carry success for FSU. Often, those backs are small and quick, like Warrick Dunn and Travis Minor and Amp Lee. But there have been bigger backs, too, along the way.
Here we go, then, with the top 10 in Running Back week.
10. William Floyd (1991-1993): The Seminoles underused Floyd, but he still managed to be a No. 1 draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers and lasted seven years in the NFL. Also a cool nickname: Bar None.
9. Amp Lee (1989-1991): Lee was better in each year for the Seminoles, winding his career up with a 977-yard effort that led to being drafted in the second round by the 49ers.
8. Larry Key (1974-77): Key had four seasons of 500 yards or more, culminating in his 1,117-yard season as a senior.
7. Greg Jones (2000-2003): Jones ran for 2,535 yards, sixth on the school’s rushing list. Second round pick by Jacksonville.
6. Sammie Smith (1985-1988): He’s fifth on FSU’s list with 2,539 yards, including three 200-yard games. First-round pick by Miami.
5. Travis Minor (1997-2000): Ranks third on FSU’s rushing list with 3,218 yards.
4. Devonta Freeman (2010-2013) Had 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns as FSU won the 2013 national championship. Left as a junior.
3. Greg Allen (1981-1984): Allen had 3,769 yards, second on FSU’s leading rusher list. His 322 yards against Western Carolina was the most ever.
2. Dalvin Cook (2014-present): If Cook is as good this year as he was a year ago, he’ll leave FSU as the all-time rusher if he goes after three seasons. A Heisman contender again.
1. Warrick Dunn (1993-1996): Dunn’s 3,959 yards was the most ever by an FSU running back, and his 37 touchdowns is second. He had three 1,000 yards before being a No. 1 pick by the Bucs.
