FSU Football: Is Cam Akers a top 5 draft eligible running back?

FSU football has produced some stud NFL running backs over the last few years. Could Cam Akers continue that legacy?

FSU football had its five-year streak of producing a 1,000 yard rusher snapped last season along with the ending of several other streaks.
FSU’s top running back and former five-star recruit Cam Akers managed just over 700 rushing yards in an offense that was the worst in recent memory for FSU football fans.

The offensive line was a disaster and has been for quite some time despite Akers breaking Dalvin Cook’s FSU rookie rushing record in 2017.

However, Akers battled injuries but did struggle at times to find open running lanes the few times they were there.

Despite his short comings most folk still recognize the talent Akers brings to the table and expect him to have a bounce back year along with the FSU football team in 2019.

In fact, one writer has named him as the No. 4 draft eligible running back for 2020:

Thoughts

Jonathan Taylor led all power five running backs with over 2,000 rushing yards in 2018. J.K. Dobbins, D’Andre Swift and Travis Etienne were 1,000 yard rushers. Najee Harris and Akers both had over 700 rushing yards in 2018.

It’s kinda hard to gauge just how good Akers is with what he’s been dealing with his two years at FSU. He had to play with a true freshman QB as a true freshman with a coach halfway out the door.

Last season saw him play with an even worse offensive line and even worse QB play from Deondre Francois. How good could Akers be with a competent offensive line and above average QB play?

After all, Kendal Briles’ offenses are usually ranked among the best in the nation. It’s quite possible Akers could put up monster numbers in this offense and be among the top five running backs drafted in 2020.