Akers didnt make it a secret that he still likes Tennessee, though, and that his comfort level with the situation in Knoxville under head coach Butch Jones and running backs coach Robert Gillespie rivals his comfort level for any other program on his list.
I definitely like Coach Gillespie, Akers said. Coach Gillespies recruiting me well. Those other coaches are, as well. Coach Jones and everybody else there, its the same. Its a family feel, and Ive been there as much as anywhere. Ive been up there a lot. Theyve definitely got a family feel, and I keep going back.
Tennessees situation at running back and the Vols track record with starting true freshmen running backs help their cause in Akers mind, as well. Its no secret that star junior running backs Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara will strongly consider entering the NFL Draft after this season, and Akers is well aware of that.
Just the way theyre not afraid to throw a freshman in the mix (is big), Akers said. Obviously at running back, Jalen Hurd came in as a true freshman and had a great season, and theyve played freshmen ever since then.