FSU Spring Position Preview -- Running Backs seek strong return

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With Florida State's spring football practice set to begin on Monday, March 4, we are previewing each position on offense and defense leading up to that date. We begin our previews today with the Running Backs.

Along with each story, there will be a video discussion featuring two of our staff members. Be sure to watch the one below featuring Gene Williams and Aslan Hajivandi.

Florida State's running game has nowhere to go but up in 2019. The Seminoles ranked No. 126 nationally in rushing offense last season, averaging 91 yards per game. Even worse, FSU averaged just 2.7 yards per carry, which ranked No. 129 out of 130 schools in the FBS.

The task of reviving the Seminoles' stagnant ground game beings this spring under the direction of new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and new offensive line coach Randy Clements.

Cam Akers returns after leading the 'Noles in rushing each of the past two seasons. After a breakout freshman campaign, which saw him rush for 1,024 yards, the former five-star recruit saw a significant drop in production in 2018. Playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in college football, Akers rushed for 300 fewer yards and nearly one yard less per carry as a sophomore. Those numbers will need to significantly improve if Briles is going to get the Seminoles' offense back on track.

With the graduation of Jacques Patrick and transfer of Amir Rasul, the depth chart behind Akers will be very different this spring. Khalan Laborn returns after suffering a knee injury in the second game of 2018. From all indications, the redshirt sophomore is doing well with his rehabilitation, but it's unlikely that he will be full-go this spring. That means sophomore Anthony Grant should see a significant increase in practice reps. Last season as a freshman, the former four-star recruit saw most of his action on kickoff returns. However, indications from practices are that the Buford, Ga., native has plenty of talent and is capable of making a significant contribution as a running back.