Fisher says Akers won’t play wildcat Del Rio will be Gators’ back-up QB

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State freshman running back Cam Akers primarily played quarterback as the nation’s No. 3 high school prospect and a five-star recruit in Mississippi.

But with true freshman quarterback James Blackman ready to make his debut in place of injured starter Deondre Francois, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher reaffirmed Akers will not be playing in any wildcat formations for the Seminoles. So long to the Wild-Cam, for now. “How about just let him play tailback? Guys, just calm down,” Fisher said to media after Thursday’s practice. “The guy has played one game as a tailback. How is he going to learn a second position? Just let the guy play tailback. There’s a lot to go that goes into that, and he’s a really good tailback.

“So let’s just get him going some good quarterbacks.”

Akers passed for 3,128 yards and 31 touchdowns while rushing for 2,105 yards and 34 scores during his senior season. During his FSU debut against Alabama, Akers led all Seminoles with just 30 yards on 10 carries.

As for Blackman, Fisher was happy with how practice this week.

“I was pleased,” Fisher said of his new starting quarterback. “Hopefully, he’ll play well.”

FSU reserve receiver Malique Jackson (leg) is the only player who will be sidelined for the game.

Next game: FSU vs. NC State, Saturday, noon, ABC

Safid Deen at tailback first. We’ve he got finished

GAINESVILLE — Veteran quarterback Luke Del Rio will serve as redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks’ back-up at Kentucky.

Del Rio was the 2016 Gators’ season-opening starter, but knee and shoulder injuries eventually sidelined him.

“He’s healthy. That’s the big thing,” UF coach Jim McElwain said.

Notre Dame graduate transfer Malik Zaire replaced Franks during a Sept. 2 loss to Michigan, but is UF’s third option. When Zaire arrived, many outside the program assumed he would start.

Zaire continues to prepare routinely have observed him practice.

“He’s working, Luke’s working hard. That’s a good room,” McElwain said. “Those guys all came here to play, and yet, there’s one guy out there at a time. It’s how you chose to deal with it and those guys are doing great.”

Cornerback Duke Dawson, the team’s top defensive back, is going through the school’s concussion protocol and remains a game-time decision.

Without the fifth-year senior on the field, the Gators would start two first-year freshman at cornerback — Marco Wilson and C.J. Henderson. Senior Joseph Putu, primarily a special teams player, would be next in line.

Next game: No. 20 UF at Kentucky, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., SEC Network

Edgar Thompson for his chance. Reporters as the last player leaving