Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Running back Akers impresses coach Taggart
TALLAHASSEE — New Florida State coach Willie Taggart has coached an impressive set of running backs during his career. He’s excited about working with the next rising star, Seminoles sophomore Cam Akers.
Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart and former Oregon standout Royce Freeman were similar to Akers in stature and running styles, while players like Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey and USF duo Marlon Mack and D’Ernest Johnson were not as hefty, but still viable speedsters for Taggart.
Akers, who broke Dalvin Cook’s freshman rushing record last season with 1,024 yards, will be a focal point in Taggart’s Gulf Coast offense this season.
“Cam, he’s the prototype of how he’s supposed to be shaped, the right height and speed, strength. And then you talk to the kid like. ‘Man, why can’t they all be like this?’ ” Taggart said this week.
“I’m really excited to coach him this spring. It’s going to be fun to watch him in this offense.”
Akers, at 5-foot-11 and 213 pounds this spring, is also looking forward to working with his new head coach.
As a freshman, Akers provided a change of pace for the Seminoles’ offense in desperate need of big-playmaking ability. He emerged as FSU’s starter, beating rising senior and former Orlando Timber Creek standout Jacques Patrick for the top job.
Before spring practice, Akers said he has worked to improve his physique while trying to get accustomed to Taggart’s playbook.
“It feels good knowing that even though we’re in the spread offense, we’re going to run the ball, and we’ll be able to produce on the ground and not just in the air,” Akers said.
Akers said one of the biggest issues he hopes to address in his game this spring is playing with more patience as a runner.
Having a head coach with a fluent background coaching running backs who have played in the NFL is encouraging for Akers, who committed to FSU with hopes of following in the footsteps of former Seminoles Cook and Devonta Freeman.
“He knows what it’s going to take to get me, to get us, in position to get out of here,” Akers said of Taggart. “[He can] get us in a position to get out of here and sharpen our tools.”
Akers is also working to become a strong leader among his stacked position group and the entire team.
Taggart’s offense is predicated on utilizing running backs in a variety of ways and in a range of personnel groups.
Along with Akers and Patrick, junior Amir Rasul and a trio of redshirt freshmen in Deonte Sheffield, Zaquandre White and Khalan Laborn also hope to make an impact this spring.
“It’s like Christmas with the guys what we do have — we’re pretty deep there,” Taggart said of the running back talent. “It would be a shame on us if we don’t do the things we need to make sure those guys are on the field to help us.”
If you ask Taggart, the possibilities could be endless for Akers.
“He’s different. He’s a sharp kid, too. He’s a really sharp kid,” Taggart said. “He’s all about business, getting things done and he’s a pretty good football player, too.”