FSU running back Cam Akers will not play in the Sun Bowl and has declared for the 2020 NFL draft, he announced on Twitter on Saturday.
He will travel to El Paso, Texas, for the game, but he will not practice with the Seminoles.
"I cannot begin to express how valuable my three years here have been, especially the relationships I've made with teammates, coaches, support staff and other students," Akers wrote on his Twitter account. "When I committed to Florida State I had no idea the type of growth and development I would experience as a man and a football player. These last three years have been incredible, and I am so appreciative that the FSU family welcomed a kid from Mississippi with open arms.
"Knowing there was a decision to be made at the end of the season, these last few weeks have been difficult for me. I'm thankful for my family and the support they have given me and for God putting me in this position. I have decided to enter the 2020 NFL Draft and will not play in the Sun Bowl.
"Even though I won't be playing in the bowl game, I will be at practice and in El Paso supporting my teammates. It's crazy to think that I've played my last game as a Florida State Seminole, but I will carry FSU with me wherever I go. Thank you again to Florida State and our fans for everything."
Akers finishes his career as one of the program's most productive running backs.
He rushed for 2,875 yards, good enough for sixth all-time on FSU's rushing list. Former running back and current Minnesota Vikings tailback Dalvin Cook holds the record for most rushing yards with 4,464 yards.
Akers arrived at FSU with high expectations. He was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 running back in the country out of Clinton High School in Mississippi in the 2017 recruiting class.
His career began on a high note.
Akers rushed for 1,025 yards, a freshman record, and seven touchdowns in 2017 and earned third-team All-ACC honors.
His production took a dip in 2018 as the Seminoles struggled under former coach Willie Taggart. The 5-foot-11, 212-pound tailback rushed for 706 yards and six touchdowns in 2018.
Akers bounced back this season on his way to earning All-ACC second-team honors. He posted career highs in rushing yards (1,144), rushing touchdowns (14), receptions (30), receiving yards (225) and receiving touchdowns (4).
The Seminoles (6-6) play Arizona State (7-5) on Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. The game will air on CBS. FSU began bowl preparations on Saturday with Odell Haggins leading the team. Haggins will coach the bowl game as new head coach Mike Norvell works to round out the Seminoles' recruiting class with the early signing period beginning on Wednesday and to complete his coaching staff.
