True freshmen no longer serve as just practice bodies and tackling dummies in a redshirt rookie season. They’re enrolling at schools more prepared to play early than ever before, and with the 85-scholarship limit, coaches need freshmen to contribute.
Deshaun Watson started as a freshman. So did Lamar Jackson. Dalvin Cook rushed for 1,000 yards in his first season.
Which incoming ACC freshmen will make major contributions for their team in 2017? The ACC blog picks the recruit most likely to make the biggest impact for each team.
Team: Florida State
Recruit: Cam Akers, No. 1 RB, No. 9 in the ESPN
Stars: Five
Why he will make an impact: A significant hole exists on Florida State’s roster now that Dalvin Cook is prepping for the NFL. The Seminoles have ESPN 300 running backs on the roster, but Akers could become the team’s lead back beginning Week 1. At minimum, he should see a lot of playing time as coach Jimbo Fisher usually likes to play multiple running backs. Before the 2015 season, Fisher never had a running back at Florida State carry the ball more than 200 times in a season. The nation’s best running back, Akers is already close to the same size as Cook. While he might not match Cook’s speed, Akers has a second gear to pull away from defenders. He’s already on campus and learning the offense, too.
Coach’s quote: This kid has power, speed, can break tackles, can catch the ball,” Seminoles running backs coach Jay Graham said. “Played quarterback [in high school] and if he were a couple inches taller he’d be a pretty good QB. We like him at running back. He has great vision and great understanding of football. This kid loves to play football, loves his teammates. And he’s already on campus right now and is working hard getting ready for spring ball.”
