One of the most talented running backs in this year's class, Dalvin Cook understands that he needs to his part to remain an early pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Despite the Dallas Cowboys taking running back Ezekiel Elliot in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, recently, the position has struggled to have players selected on the first night.
But as a talented running back class enters the fold this year, it is all but certain that at least three running backs will be taken on the first day of the 2017 NFL Draft. Florida State's Dalvin Cook is one of those backs and he thinks he is the best in the class, respectfully.
"Like you said, we've got the top guys in this class at running back," said Cook of the talented running back pool at the NFL Combine. "It's probably one of the best you done seen yet and I think what separates me is I can do it all. I can stay on the field all three downs and I'm just a do-it-all back and I just feel like I am the best back in this class."
The two-time first-team All-American was frequently called upon at Florida State, registering 1,765 yards and 19 touchdowns on 288 carries. He also proved a receiving option out of the backfield and caught 33 passes for 488 yards.
On the field, Cook has been a standout but due to some past legal issues, there have been red flag tagged to him. At his NFL Combine press conference, Cook expressed his growth as a man and has nothing to hide from NFL teams.
"Like I tell every team, I'm open and willing to answer every question," said Cook, who reportedly visted with the Redskins. "I ain't hiding nothing. If they ask I'm willing to answer. I'm willing to move forward to be a better person."
One motivation that Cook uses to keep out of trouble is his love of football. During his interviews with teams, the Miami native wanted to make sure that everyone understood his passion for football and his teammates.
Take a look at photos of Florida State running back, Dalvin Cook.
"I love the game so much because of everything that comes with it: the losing, the winning, the relationship you build in the locker room, the memories that come with it, and it's just everything about it. It's the ultimate team sport so that's why I love the game," Cook said. "Going out there competing with my brothers. Winning or losing, the memories we're going to have in the locker room it's something I'll always remember, from Florida State, too. That's why I love the game."
With most college football offenses moving towards more of a spread approach, it is unusual to see a lot of pro-style offenses on Saturdays these days.
Rookies who played in a spread offense while in college could have a harder time adjusting to the professional game and picking up on the extensive playbooks. Cook was fortunate enough to play in a pro-style offense that seems to prepare players for the NFL like his former teammate Jameis Winston.
"Coach [Jimbo] Fisher's system definitely helped me transfer over to the NFL level," he said. "When I'm in certain meeting rooms and coach is asking me questions I can relate very well and I think coach Fisher got me very well prepared for this next level. His offense is very intense. It's a big playbook and the NFL is the same well. I think he got me prepared very good."
In his three years in Tallahassee, Cook totaled 4,464 yards and 46 touchdowns. The talented running back admits that more work must be done in order to move up team's draft boards and understands it's up to him to do so.
"It's all on me now," Cook said last month. "It's all how I go perform and how I go get me to jump the draft board. The combine is here now. The week is here that I've been waiting for so it's all on me now. I've just got to go do my part."
