4-Star RB Prospect James Cook Decommits from Florida State

James Cook, one of the most talented running backs in the 2018 college football recruiting class, announced Tuesday he's decommitting from the Florida State Seminoles.

Cook confirmed the decision with a post on social media:

The Miami Central High School standout is a 4-star prospect who rates as the No. 69 overall recruit in the 2018 class, according to Scout. He's listed as the fifth-best running back and the third-ranked player at the position from the state of Florida.

Cook originally committed to FSU in March 2016. Two months later he reclassified himself as a member of the 2018 incoming group rather than 2019 due to age restrictions that would have prevented him from playing football as a senior in high school, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.

The dynamic playmaker is the brother of Dalvin Cook, who starred for the Seminoles before getting selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Jeff Sentell of DawgNation noted the opportunity to earn immediate playing time caused the running back to strongly consider switching to Georgia.

"The thought that I will play as a freshman," Cook replied when asked the main reason he remained interested in the Bulldogs despite his Florida State commitment.

While Tuesday's announcement didn't provide an update about the future of his recruitment, Georgia should be considered the favorite until Cook says otherwise.

The shifty rusher possesses a well-rounded skill set that should eventually make him a reliable three-down workhorse if his development continues on its current trajectory.