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College Football Rankings: Top 25 after spring practice

By Cody Williams

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Cam Akers (3) runs the ball during the first half of the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Cam Akers (3) runs the ball during the first half of the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State Seminoles

2016: 10-3, 

The Florida State Seminoles relied on Dalvin Cook an exceptionally large amount in 2016. With then freshman quarterback Deondre Francois starting, that was the right call. However, Cook is now gone and the natural train of thought would be to say that the pressure is now on Francois to carry the offense. While the quarterback looked good and explosive during the FSU spring game, that may not be wholly the case.

As to why, his name is Cam Akers — and the freshman running back might be better than advertised. The spring game for the Seminoles was the Akers show as he did it all. He’s lightning fast in the open field with even more impressive burst when finding holes. Pair that with great vision and he’s going to be a stud from Day 1 in college football. He’s a potential Heisman Trophy candidate as a true freshman and that’s no hyperbole at all.

If that weren’t enough, the Seminoles defense is also set to get a boost with the return of Derwin James. After his 2016 was cut short due to injury, their defense was inconsistent and frankly suffered. Not only is that because of how impactful his play is, but he’s also the vocal and emotional leader of the unit. With James back in the fold, the defense looked ready to be formidable in 2017. Coupled with the explosive offense, look out for Jimbo Fisher’s group.

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