Cam Akers Entering 2020 NFL Draft and Won't Play in Florida State's Bowl Game

The trend of college football players choosing not to play in bowl games in anticipation of their professional careers will continue into this year.

Junior running back Cam Akers of Florida State has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft and will not be suiting up for the Seminoles matchup against Arizona State in the Sun Bowl on December 31.

#FSU RB Cam Akers is leaving early and entering the 2020 NFL draft. He says he won't play in the Notes bowl game.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 14, 2019

Akers rushed for 1,144 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season, and 2,875 yards with 27 touchdowns over three seasons. He'll look to have a strong combine performance in order to raise his draft stock amid a strong running back class, which will prospectively include the likes of Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins and D'Andre Swift.

Thank you Florida State ? pic.twitter.com/KnS1TeNwuf
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) December 14, 2019

Florida State had another tumultuous season, which culminated in the firing of Willie Taggart after he started the season 4-5. Interim coach Odell Haggins was able to salvage the season a bit, guiding the Seminoles to a 6-6 record and a bowl game, which is more than Taggart accomplished in his season-and-a-half reign.

Without Akers, Florida State will lean on sophomore Khalan Laborn to lead their ground attack against Arizona State.