The Latest: FSU's Akers ready for Taggart's up-tempo offense
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Latest on ACC Media Days (all times local):
10:30 a.m.
Florida State running back Cam Akers is thrilled about playing in new coach Willie Taggart's up-tempo, no-huddle spread offense this season.
As a freshman last season, Akers averaged 5.3 yards a carry and ran for more than 1,000 yards rushing to go with seven touchdowns. He says the new offense allows him to run in more space with more seams, which should translate into more opportunities to break big plays.
Defensive end Brian Burns describes Akers as a "monster" in the weight room and on the field and expects him to have a huge season.
Florida State announced in December that Taggart, who served as offensive coordinator at Oregon, would replace Jimbo Fisher as coach. Burns says Taggart has brought a "no excuses" attitude to the team and has been holding players accountable for their actions.
The Seminoles were last in the league in offense last season and Taggart is looking forward to "changing that narrative" and winning multiple championships.
____
9:50 a.m.
Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson says he hasn't decided whether sophomore Jamie Newman or true freshman Sam Hartman will start the season at quarterback while redshirt junior Kendall Hinton is serving a three-game suspension for violating team rules.
Newman has attempted four passes in college, while Hartman will be in uniform for the first time.
The Demon Deacons are looking to replace John Wolford, who graduated following a breakout senior season in which he helped Wake Forest win eight games and capture its second straight bowl win in as many years.
Clawson has called Hinton a "very dynamic, elusive athlete" and believes he can help the team once he returns to the field following his suspension.
___
2:25 a.m.
The Clemson Tigers will take center stage Thursday as the Atlantic Coast Conference turns its attention the Atlantic Division at the preseason media days.
The Tigers are 40-4 over the past three seasons, winning three straight conference titles under coach Dabo Swinney.
The biggest question mark for the Tigers is who'll handle the quarterback duties this year — incumbent Kelly Bryant or Trevor Lawrence, widely considered the No. 1 overall recruit in 2018.
North Carolina State, which finished 6-2 in the conference last season, is expected to provide the biggest competition for the Tigers.
Wake Forest, Boston College and Louisville all finished 4-4 in conference play last year, while Florida State was 3-5. Syracuse was 2-6, although the Orange did upset Clemson 27-24 at the Carrier Dome.
___
More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25