ACC Football 2017: Biggest x-factor for every team

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) is blocked by Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) during the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – APRIL 8: Running back Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles on a running play during the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Football game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on April 8, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Florida State – Cam Akers

Florida State’s roster is absolutely loaded, there’s no doubt about. It would be shocking if the Seminoles didn’t make the Final Four. Picking a member of that vaunted defense would simply be too easy. How about Cam Akers, the new true freshman sensation at running back. Akers was the second overall recruit in the country this past year and the best running back prospect.

Akers is a guy who can step in and play right away. An interesting note is they start the season with Alabama and another sensational freshman running back to watch in Najee Harris. Akers will probably share the load with Jacques Patrick to start the season but don’t be surprised if he takes off right out of the gates. Akers really shined at the spring game rushing for 87 yards showing off incredible vision for a back coming right out of high school.

Florida State fans are not going to miss Dalvin Cook for long. Seminoles fans will have to hope that Akers doesn’t have the ball security or pass protection issues Cook had with 13 career fumbles. Then again, he has some big shoes to fill replacing Cook’s 19 rushing touchdowns each of the past two years.

If you’re looking for a defensive player to watch, well, pick your poison really. Josh Sweat, Derwin James and Tarvarus McFadden appear to be locks to go in round one in 2018. To call this Florida State team loaded would just simply be an understatement.

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