For Florida State football, the storm clouds have been amassing since September. Nary a ray of sunshine has shown upon the program this season— even with all the noon kickoffs. Yet freshman running back Cam Akers has been an indisputable silver lining, perhaps historically so.
Of course, Akers took over at FSU on the heels of all-time ’Nole rushing leader Dalvin Cook, whose Seminole career began with a 1,008-yard freshman campaign in 2014. That’s the most rushing yards ever gained by a Florida State frosh— for now.
Because Akers has a real shot of catching Cook. Through eight games, Akers has 696 rushing yards, following his 199-yard effort against Syracuse. That’s an 87 YPG average. In 2014, Cook averaged 77.54 YPG over 13 games (he did not play in the opener against Oklahoma State).
After rescheduling the previously cancelled game against Louisiana-Monroe, FSU is guaranteed four more games this season, against Clemson, Delaware State, Florida, and ULM. If he continues at his current YPG pace, Akers will finish with a new ’Nole freshman record of 1,044 rushing yards. And if the Seminoles can win three of those games and make a bowl, he’s got even more time to add to what is already a very impressive resume at the onset of what looks to be an extremely promising career.
Be sure to check back on this, as we’ll keep Akers’ drive toward FSU history updated throughout the remainder of the season.