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It’s time to look ahead to the upcoming season by breaking down the Warchant Top 40 -- a list of the 40 players we expect to have the biggest impact for the Florida State football team. (Note: This is not necessarily the 40 most talented players, but the players we believe will have the opportunity and capability to make the biggest impact this season.)
The list, which was compiled by Gene Williams and Ira Schoffel of Warchant.com, and Jeff Cameron of ESPN Radio Tallahassee, will be revealed in segments.
Earlier installments: Players 40-31 | Players 30-21 | Players 20-11 |
Player No. 10: Freshman Tailback Cam Akers
Considered by some to be the nation's top running back in the Class of 2017, Akers begins his Florida State career with a world of expectations. The 5-foot-11, 213-pounder enrolled in January and made a fast impression during spring practice. Now, he'll try to carry that over into the fall as he challenges junior starter Jacques Patrick for carries. Akers checks in higher on our list than Patrick (No. 18) because our panelists believe he will take over the top job at some point during the season.
Note: Akers actually played quarterback in high school and put up staggering numbers on the ground and through the air. As a senior, he passed for 3,128 yards and 31 touchdowns, while rushing for 2,105 yards and 34 scores. He is expected to battle for a return job on special teams, as well as the top tailback spot.
Voting Recap: No. 10 by Ira; No. 11 by Jeff; No. 13 by Gene.
Player No. 9: Redshirt Junior Defensive Tackle Demarcus Christmas
Although he is slightly overshadowed by fellow defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, Christmas was a key reason Florida State was able to finish with the nation's No. 21 rushing defense after a rough start to the 2016 season. At 6-4 and 309 pounds, he has the strength and quickness to clog up running lanes while also making the occasional play in the backfield.
Note: Christmas was one of only five players on the Florida State defense to start all 13 games. He finished with 21 tackles and five pass breakups -- the most PBUs of any defensive lineman.
Voting Recap: No. 11 by Ira; No. 8 by Jeff; No. 11 by Gene.
