Schools to Watch After 4-Star RB Cam Akers Decommits from Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide have stockpiled running back talent during recent recruiting cycles, but Cam Akers is no longer part of the collection.

The 4-star recruit, rated No. 3 nationally among prospects at the position in 2017 composite rankings, announced his decision to end a seven-month verbal pledge Thursday via Twitter:

Akers initially added to Alabama's class last August. He joined coveted California rusher Najee Harris, who is considered the country's No. 1 overall recruit.

"I feel it's in my best interest to take [a] step back and re-evaluate things," Akers wrote. "Alabama is a classy organization and the fans just as much. They are still very much a favorite."

The 5'11 ½", 210-pound playmaker publicly left the door open for a potential reunion with the Crimson Tide, though several other suitors are likely to make major moves in this process. Expect multiple SEC squads to seek out his commitment moving forward.

Akers, who stars as a dual-threat quarterback at Clinton High School in Mississippi, is the state's top-rated prospect among juniors. Despite his current role behind center, he expects to transition elsewhere within a collegiate offensive attack.

"Running back is my focus at the next level," he told Bleacher Report last summer. "I would also love to return kicks and try to make some big plays that way."

While he may not end up in Tuscaloosa, Akers could ultimately call an SEC campus home.

Ole Miss and Mississippi State will have their sights set on securing the in-state standout. He visited both universities during recent months, according to Hugh Kellenberger of the Clarion Ledger.

The Rebels reloaded on offense this winter, signing No. 1 quarterback prospect Shea Patterson, No. 1 offensive tackle recruit Greg Little and top-rated in-state receivers DeKaylin Metcalf and A.J. Brown. This impressive 2016 haul could encourage Akers to remain home and climb aboard a bandwagon loaded with young, explosive talent.

Ole Miss leads his 247Sports crystal ball, claiming 50 percent of experts' signing day predictions. Last cycle, we saw the Rebels secure a premier Mississippi prospect who initially committed to Alabama as an underclassman (5-star defensive tackle Benito Jones).

"Since Ole Miss and Mississippi State were my first two offers, there is definitely some pressure to stay here," Akers said.

Expect the Georgia Bulldogs to also remain diligent with Akers, who traveled to Athens last weekend:

"

Me and coach Mcgee  @DellMcGee pic.twitter.com/yl7dFnXeaX

— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) February 27, 2016"

Alabama and Georgia always share common targets on the recruiting trail, and that will be even more evident than before with former Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart now serving as Bulldogs head coach. He managed to flip 4-star quarterback Jake Fromm from Alabama on Thursday, just hours before Akers announced his decommitment.

Comments made by Akers to Kipp Adams of Dawgs247 after his decision were concise and bode well for the Bulldogs.

"I love UGA a whole lot," he said.

While SEC programs are surely prepared to take center stage in this pursuit, don't overlook Ohio State.

Akers is expected to visit Columbus on March 7, according to Ari Wasserman of Cleveland.com, placing him on campus during the final preparation for spring practice sessions. The Buckeyes signed two top-tier rushers in 2016, landing early enrollee Antonio Williams and Demario McCall, who is likely destined for an H-back role.

Todd Sibley, the top-ranked 2017 running back in Ohio, committed to the Buckeyes last April. Head coach Urban Meyer is expected to add at least one more player to the backfield in this cycle.

Whichever team signs Akers will welcome a versatile offensive weapon. He tallied more than 4,000 passing yards and 40 touchdown tosses during the past two seasons, adding 2,314 yards and 33 scores on the ground.

Akers rushed for a career-high 1,418 yards as a junior, averaging 8.4 yards per carry.

"I rise to the occasion when faced with competition. I haven't been raised to back down from competition," he said. "I go straight for it, and that's what I'm going to do in college."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.