FSU Football: 3 players that need to improve in second half 2018

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 05: Mascots Osceola and Renegade of the Florida State Seminoles are seen on the field prior to the Camping World Kickoff game against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium on September 5, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 05: Mascots Osceola and Renegade of the Florida State Seminoles are seen on the field prior to the Camping World Kickoff game against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium on September 5, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Cam Akers

Cam Akers came into the season ranked as a top 50 player just like Levonta Taylor, but hasn’t been able to live up to the billing for a couple of reasons.

Florida State Seminoles Football
Florida State Seminoles Football /

Florida State Seminoles Football

He’s playing behind a banged up offensive line, he’s been bothered by an ankle injury and he hasn’t shown the patience needed to be an elite running back.

Akers is averaging 4.11 ypc on the season, but that’s skewed by his huge 85 yard run against Virginia Tech in the opener.

If that play is removed Akers is averaging a paltry 3.18 ypc carry. Another problem is Akers has fumbled the ball a number of times in the first six games.

That’s going to be something he has to avoid in the next six games as the offense has struggled with those as a whole thus far.

To his credit, Akers has been running hard albeit for little yardage and done well in pass protection. I wish he’d be able to show just a little more wiggle in the open field and not allow defenders to tackle him one-on-one so much.

He needs to pick it up in the second half of the season for the offense to start clicking and if he wants to reach 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive season.