Cam Akers Reveals Top 10: Which Teams Lead for 5-Star RB?

Credit: 247Sports

The Alabama Crimson Tide remain a contender for former committed running back Cam Akers ^[1] but the reigning national champions face significant competition from programs across the country.

Akers, a 5-star Mississippi prospect, tweeted a top-10 list Wednesday afternoon, identifying schools that stand out three months shy of his senior season at Clinton High School:

As of now these are the teams that I will be taking a closer look at over the next few months #Top10 ‼‼️️🐐🎯 pic.twitter.com/b31o0mWrPw ^[2]^[3]
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) May 25, 2016 ^[4]

The 5'11 ½", 212-pound playmaker pointed out Alabama, Auburn, Cal, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee as programs still in the picture for his pledge. Akers previously spent seven months committed to the Crimson Tide before reopening his recruitment in March.

"I feel it's in my best interest to take [a] step back and re-evaluate things," Akers wrote ^[5] at the time. "Alabama is a classy organization and the fans just as much. They are still very much a favorite."

This sentiment still rings true nearly three months later, as Alabama finds itself in position to possibly pull another fantastic rusher back into the fold. Head coach Nick Saban ^[6] already holds a prized pledge from No. 1 overall 2017 recruit Najee Harris ^[7], who many analysts consider the best running back prospect since LSU star Leonard Fournette.

Upon his initial commitment in August, Akers told Bleacher Report ^[10] he wasn't intimidated by an Alabama backfield that should enter the 2017 season boasting multiple former blue-chip recruits.

"I rise to the occasion when faced with competition. I haven't been raised to back down from competition," Akers said. "I go straight for it, and that's what I'm going to do in college. I'm not even going to think about any other top recruits coming in."

Rated No. 2 nationally among running backs—behind only Harris—and No. 15 overall in composite rankings, he's displayed interest across the SEC landscape. Akers listed six conference members on his list of top options.

Georgia emerged as a speculative landing spot immediately after he left Alabama's class because the Bulldogs hosted him on campus just a few days beforehand. Akers traveled to Athens alongside family and came away enthused by his experience.

"It would be hard to choose what my favorite part of the visit to Georgia was because I liked everything about it," he told Kipp Adams of 247Sports. "I love Georgia and my family does too. ... Georgia told me they are not bringing me in to sit on the bench next season. They are bringing me in to compete for the starting spot in 2017."^[11]

Me and coach Mcgee 🔴🐶 @DellMcGee pic.twitter.com/yl7dFnXeaX ^[12]^[13]
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) February 27, 2016 ^[14]

Nearby universities Ole Miss and Mississippi State didn't hesitate to make Akers an early priority in the 2017 recruiting cycle. They presented his first pair of offers, though only one appears to remain in play.

"Since Ole Miss and Mississippi State were my first two offers, there is definitely some pressure to stay here," he told Bleacher Report.

Mississippi State landed local 4-star running back Kylin Hill ^[15] last week and didn't make the cut here, while Ole Miss is still searching for a fit at the position in its latest talent haul. Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze landed an impressive collection of offensive talent last signing day, securing Elite 11 MVP quarterback Shea Patterson ^[16], top-ranked tackle Greg Little ^[17] and three 4-star receivers, so the addition of Akers would set the stage for one of America's most explosive attacks for years to come.

Tennessee and LSU also welcomed him to campus this spring. and a visit to Auburn is upcoming, according to Will Sammon ^[18] of The Clarion Ledger. Another impending trip should attract plenty of attention, as Akers anticipates a return journey to Ohio State.

Buckeyes running backs coach Tony Alford is among the most respected college assistants in America and he's made the Mississippi standout a major priority. Like Alabama, Ohio State enjoys a wealth of talent in the offensive backfield.

Head coach Urban Meyer ^[19] secured a top-50 overall recruit earlier this cycle when 4-star Texas running back J.K. Dobbins ^[20] joined the class. Still, flirtations have been heavy between the Buckeyes and Akers.

As Jeremy Birmingham of ElevenWarriors.com pointed out this week, Akers already paid his own way for two unofficial visits to Columbus, will return in June and has expressed intent to spend an official visit at Ohio State.
^[21]

That's enough reciprocated interest to suggest the Buckeyes may be in better position than any other suitor at this stage.

#GoBuckeyes ⭕️ pic.twitter.com/iajIcZvc7I ^[22]^[23]
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) April 21, 2016 ^[24]

"I definitely love Ohio State," he told Bill Kurelic ^[25] of 247Sports. "My family and myself love Ohio State and what the [football] program is doing. They always produce good running backs. They are always in the running for the national championship and the academics are great also."

Which outcome is most likely for 5-star RB Cam Akers?

Though Akers envisions himself taking hand-offs as a collegiate contributor, he currently stars at quarterback for Clinton. His junior campaign featured a career-best 1,418 rushing yards (8.4 per carry) and 36 total touchdowns, in addition to 2,331 yards through the air.

Akers further illustrated an elite physical skill set in April at The Opening's New Orleans regional, where he finished the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds ^[26] and registered a 40.6-inch vertical leap.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings.^[27]

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake^[28].