FSU’s Deondre Francois, Cam Akers Named to Maxwell Watch List

The Maxwell Award watch list, unveiled on Monday, features two Florida State football players.

Making the list were quarterback Deondre Francois and running back Cam Akers. The Maxwell Award is awarded to the nation’s best overall player.

Francois, a redshirt junior, appeared in just one game for the Seminoles in 2017 before suffering a season-ending patella tear. As a redshirt freshman in 2016 however, Francois accounted for 3,350 yards passing and 25 total touchdowns while leading FSU to an Orange Bowl win and a top-10 national ranking.

Akers, a sophomore from Mississippi, set the FSU freshman rushing record last season with 1,024 yards rushing and eight total touchdowns. He’s the Seminoles’ leading returning touchdown scorer from a season ago.

Two potential snubs include defensive end Brian Burns and cornerback Levonta Taylor. Both are considered near the top of their positions, but neither made the preseason watch list.

The Maxwell Award has been given by the Maxwell Football Club every year since 1937. The only previous winner for FSU was quarterback Charlie Ward back in 1993.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson