Prospect Play: Cam Akers, Part One

Ray Garvin Posted On December 1, 2019

The Prospect Play series is a quick film session that highlights specific traits and attributes from potential soon-to-be NFL Stars. Anybody can post the highlight reel plays; come take a look at some of the lesser-known plays that make these college prospects devy and dynasty talents.

Cam Akers, RB Florida State

Akers is one of the more polarizing potential players in the 2020 NFL draft pool. Coming out of high school, the quarterback-turned-rusher was one of the highest-rated recruits in the country. A consensus top-three overall recruit and the number-one-rated running back in the 2017 class, the All-American had a superstar pedigree written all over him.

At 5’11” and 212 lbs, he burst onto the college football scene as a true freshman, rushing for over 1,000 yards while showing a knack in the receiving game with 16 receptions. It looked like Akers was on his way to taking college football by storm as the future RB1; until 2018.

His sophomore campaign went nothing like his first. He struggled mightily as Florida State dealt with one of the worst offensive lines in college football. Akers rushed for a mere 706 yards while averaging almost a full yard less per carry. Akers looked like a running back who didn’t trust his offensive line, system, or his own talent. Many including myself, worried that he may have been broken by such a horrendous offensive situation.

Akers kindly reminded the world that he was back to start the 2019 season. He rushed for over 100 yards in three of his first four games, while setting a Florida State single-game carries record in week two with 36. Not only was he doing it on the ground but he added 13 receptions to his resume. That receiving total was over half of his receptions total from 2018. Take a look at his stats and film below.

The Stats (Weeks One-Four)

word image 14

Statistics from sports-reference.com.

Prospect Film Breakdown

https://youtu.be/3-8p4RgKQ-c

Prospect Play Summary

Acceleration and long speed – He had a confirmed 40-yard dash time of 4.4 seconds and a 40-inch vertical jump coming out of high school. As you can see, he has no shortage of speed and burst when he hits the open field.

Agility and footwork – His footwork is a common theme you’ll see in every game. He always keeps his feet moving and has an ability to make quick lateral jump cuts without losing much of any top-end speed.

Power and play strength – He is physical. You can see is not afraid to hit and deliver punishment. He is a willing blocker in passing situations and will lower his shoulder on defenders. The first man rarely brings him down.

Receiving ability – He is excellent in the short receiving game. While I didn’t see him lined up out wide during the first four weeks of the season. He is very comfortable out of the backfield and can stay on the field all three downs, regardless of the situation.

Akers looked very impressive to start the season, showing well on the ground and through the air. I’ll dive into his next five games from 2019 soon. Stay tuned for more prospect play – up next, Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.