2019 ACC CFB Week 9: “Draft Stars”
Cam Akers, Running Back, Florida State
As I mentioned above, Cam Akers was electric in this week’s matchup against Syracuse. He carries the ball 20 times, rushing for 144 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. He averaged a staggering 7.2 yards per carry.
The video below highlights Akers’ ability to slip out of an Alton Robinson tackle and accelerate through the hole for a touchdown.
Cam Akers is a top 5 RB in this class. Guy’s a beast. pic.twitter.com/OFld1i4wUi
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 26, 2019
The running back group for the 2020 NFL draft class is sensational. D’Andre Swift (Georgia), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), Travis Etienne (Clemson) and J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State) are likely top-50 draft selections. With that said, Akers has starting-running back potential and I see him being a top-100 selection in the 2020 NFL draft. However, I am higher on Akers than most. Pro Football Network draft guru Tony Pauline has a 5th-round grade on Akers currently.
Marvin Wilson, Defensive Tackle, Florida State
Marvin Wilson continues to play at an elite level on a consistent basis. Against Syracuse, Wilson dominated the Syracuse offensive line, accounting for 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 tackles for a loss. He is a strong player, that executes his assignments well and occupies gaps effectively. This is the third time he has found himself as one of my “ACC Draft Stars” this season and I have a feeling it won’t be the last.
In a loaded defensive tackle draft class, Wilson has been the best player at his position in 2019 and has emerged as a top-50 2020 NFL draft prospect. For more details on the talented Florida State defensive tackle, give Felix Davila’s article on him a read.
Chazz Surratt, Linebacker, North Carolina
Chazz Surratt, the former quarterback, has burst onto the scene in 2019, appearing to be one of the fastest rising linebacker prospects in all of college football. He found himself on my “ACC Draft Stars” list last week after a tremendous performance against Virginia Tech and for an encore, he played even better this week. His stat line for this weeks’ victory over Duke was 12 tackles, a sack, and a game-winning interception. Surratt is absolutely flourishing at the linebacker position, showcasing his tremendous athleticism and knack for making plays.
In the video below, you will see Surratt’s athleticism on display, as he makes the above-mentioned game-winning interception. He makes this play with 14 seconds remaining in the game, his team holding a 20-17 lead and with Duke possessing the ball at the North Carolina two-yard line.
Chazz Surratt in a 20-17 win vs. Duke : 12 tackles, a sack & the game-ending INT with 14 seconds left pic.twitter.com/dujTybqhJa
— Lee Harvey (@AyeThatsLee) October 27, 2019
Surratt isn’t NFL ready, as he needs to add bulk to his frame, but he has athleticism and god-given talent that will have NFL scouts salivating. I suspect he will return to North Carolina for his senior season and if he continues to build off of his exceptional 2019 season, he could stamp himself as a top-40 selection in the 2021 NFL draft.
Let’s look into the “Key ACC Matchup” for Week 10.