Florida State’s Cam Akers draws praise from Daniel Jeremiah
By Bryan Perez
The 2020 NFL draft is already being propped up as a potentially special class of offensive skill prospects, including at running back, where two players (Georgia’s D’Andre Swift and Clemson’s Travis Etienne) have a chance at being top-15 picks.
But they won’t be alone as possible first-round picks at the position.
Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor is often mentioned when discussing the third-best running back in the class, but Florida State’s Cam Akers might not be far behind.
Akers was the focus of NFL Network Daniel Jeremiah‘s scouting recently and he drew some high remarks from the respected draft analyst.
“I love the way FSU RB Cam Akers attacks the line of scrimmage and finishes runs,” Jeremiah tweeted. “He also has a good feel for when to bounce outside and find space. Love his combo of physicality and instincts.”
Akers had a disappointing sophomore season in 2018 when considering the expectations that surrounded him at the beginning of the year. He finished his freshman campaign with 1,025 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. It was assumed he’d post even bigger numbers in his second year, but he regressed to just 706 yards and six scores and his yards per carry average dropped by nearly one yard.
To be fair, Akers didn’t have much help around him last season, but special running backs tend to rise above that kind of challenge. He didn’t answer the call.
But that doesn’t mean he should be overlooked as a first-round candidate. Remember: Akers was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 ranked high school running back prospect in the country. In fact, he was the No. 2 overall recruit, regardless of position.
So, yeah, he has the pedigree. And he’s already proven he can be productive on the field
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If he puts together a big junior season that ends with more than 1,000 yards and somewhere around 5.5 yards per carry (like he did as a freshman), he’ll set himself up for a breakout NFL draft process and a potential first-round grade.