Jackson Free Press

Monday, Aug. 1, was the first day that public schools could hold practice for the upcoming season, though private schools were able to begin practice last week.

That means the top players in the state are preparing for this season after a summer of visits with schools or showing off their skills at camps. It also means that the class of 2017 is just six months away from making their college choice official by signing their National Letter of Intent.

In Clinton, it means that its the last few months to woo the No. 4 player in the country. Running back Cam Akers is the No. 2 back in the country and is uncommitted.

If you are at a Clinton Arrows game this season, there is a good chance you might catch a glimpse of some of the top coaches in the nation. Every big name football program and every other program in between is seeking Akers.

The five-foot, 11-inch, 212-pound back has limited his options down to 10 universities. He once committed to the University of Alabama but decommitted, although the Crimson Tide are still in the mix.

The other nine schools are the University of Mississippi, the University of Tennessee, Ohio State University, Auburn University, University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, Florida State University, University of Michigan and University of California, Berkeley.

This summer he took unofficial trips to Tennessee, Georgia, Auburn, FSU and Mississippi. He chatted with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh when the Wolverines coach held a camp in Pearl, Miss.

It is easy to see what attracts these college programs to Akers. He has good size, and he ran 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash at this year’s Nike’s The Opening.

Over the next couple of months, Akers is expected to cut his list down to six or seven schools. He also plans to enroll early in his new school once he makes his decision this December.

The University of Mississippi is thought to be an early favorite with all the frequent visits he has taken to the school. The Rebels would love to land the running back, since he could step on the field and play right away.

Akers is also a complete back in the eyes of scouts. He not only can carry the load in the ground game, but he also has a great pair of hands.

During The Opening, he lined up in the slot and at wide out and caught passes at each position. His pass-catching ability will help him get on the field as a freshman running back by giving teams away to scheme the ball into his hands.

He also has the size and speed to run the ball inside or outside the tackles. While he doesn’t have elite speed, Akers is fast and explosive enough to outrun defenders and get into the end zone.

Akers could be the crown jewel in some school’s 2017 signing …