Favour Akih

Physical Profile

Akih possesses a well-proportioned frame for a running back, listed between 5-foot-11 and 6-foot-0 and weighing around 189 pounds. His build is physically imposing enough to break through arm tackles and finish runs with authority. This is complemented by legitimate track speed, evidenced by a 10.90-second 100-meter dash time, which translates to explosive play-making ability on the football field. He is also noted as being extremely young for his recruiting class, suggesting significant physical maturation still to come.

Play Style

On film, Akih operates as a decisive, north-south runner who excels in a one-cut-and-go system. He shows good foot quickness approaching the line of scrimmage and has the make-you-miss ability in the hole. His playing style is defined by a physical, tackle-breaking approach, often requiring more than one defender to bring him down. His long-striding gait allows him to accelerate quickly into the second level and outrun pursuit angles. He amassed nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards as a junior, highlighting his ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver.

Strengths

• Displays impressive one-cut ability and suddenness to redirect, allowing him to find and exploit running lanes effectively.
• A powerful, physical runner who consistently runs through arm tackles and demonstrates the leg drive to finish runs between the tackles.
• Verified long speed (10.9 100m) gives him the ability to turn routine carries into explosive, long-touchdown plays.
• Shows promising potential as a three-down back with encouraging moments in pass protection and capability as a receiver out of the backfield.
• Versatile athlete with significant experience playing on both sides of the ball as a linebacker, showcasing a high football IQ and overall toughness.

Areas to Improve

• Needs to demonstrate durability over a full season, as his senior year was significantly impacted by a high ankle sprain.
• As a younger player who is still relatively new to football, continued refinement of technical skills such as pad level and patience to let blocks develop will be crucial for his transition to the college level.

College Projection

Akih projects as a multi-year contributor at a Power Five program with the potential to develop into a starting running back. Given that he has already signed with Ohio State, he will enter a competitive running back room where he can be developed. His three-down potential gives him a high ceiling, and he could see early playing time on special teams and in a rotational role before competing for a starting job by his second or third year, especially as he adds strength and refines the nuances of the position.

NFL Outlook

As a consensus 4-star prospect with a composite rating of 0.9148 and a documented athletic profile that includes verified speed, Akih possesses the foundational traits for future NFL consideration. His combination of size, power, and explosiveness fits the prototype of a modern NFL running back. If he can stay healthy, continue to develop his receiving and pass protection skills at Ohio State, and build upon his high school production, he has the upside to become a mid-round NFL Draft pick with the potential to rise higher.

Best Fit

A scheme that utilizes a mix of zone and gap running plays would be an ideal fit, allowing him to leverage his one-cut ability and downhill running style. His skillset is well-suited for a balanced, pro-style offense that values a physical running game and incorporates the running back in the passing game. His commitment to Ohio State, a program known for developing NFL-caliber running backs in a similar offensive philosophy, is a strong match.