TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M Rattler football team has faced a challenging season. And that is what makes the accomplishments of one of its players, Akil Blount, a remarkable story of the power of persistence.
Blount played for the Rattlers over the last four seasons as a linebacker. Over the last two seasons, he has been a leader on the Rattler defense, garnering the most tackles on the team in both years. He was also voted All-MEAC for his play during the past two seasons. Off the field, he was majoring in one of the most challenging programs on FAMU’s campus, the business administration track in the School of Business and Industry.
It would be an accomplishment to excel either on the field or in the classroom, but it is rare to have an individual excel at both. Blount, thanks to the summer school scholarship program implemented by FAMU Athletics, will graduate on Friday after just three-and-a-half years. Additionally, he is considered a serious NFL prospect and is invited to play in two of the most prominent senior football player showcases.
Blount has accepted an invitation to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Los Angeles, which comes with an all-expense paid trip, a week of NFL-caliber practice broadcast on ESPNU and an All-Star game with several scouts on hand.
Staying focused was never an issue for Blount, as he made a promise to his father before he left Pittsburgh, Pa. to come to FAMU.
“I told my dad that when I left home I was going on a business trip to school, and I would be right back. Even through the difficult times, my parents were positive and kept me focused and always offered their support,” Blount said.
Leading by example is Blount’s claim to fame. The soft-spoken linebacker is not one to talk much but shows in his action how to play the game of football and how to navigate through a college curriculum.
The schedule of a student-athlete is one of the most difficult itineraries to manage. From strength and conditioning to class to study hall to team meetings, student-athletes have to endure a grueling schedule, especially in season. Still, dealing with these obstacles was a lesson in organizational skills, time management, and untiring dedication that Blount will always carry with him.
FAMU Director of Athletics Milton Overton applauds Blount for his accomplishments.
“This is a prime example of a student-athlete taking advantage of the opportunities laid before him. His determination in the classroom accents his personal success on the field. As an athletics department, we want to continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes to be successful. These are the pillars on which we strive to build champions,” Overton said.
Along with Blount’s academic and athletic endeavors, he has been a leader for FAMU’s student-athletes in community involvement. Elected president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) by his peers, he was a finalist for the Allstate Good Works Team this year, which honors student-athletes nationally for performance on the field, academic success, and community service. He was nominated in part because of his participation in the Lunch Buddies Program where he reads to elementary school kids and interacts over lunch. He is also active in feeding the homeless at The Shelter and several other community service events. Under his leadership, the FAMU SAAC was recognized by the Leon County School Board with the Outstanding Partners for Excellence Award.
The son of Pittsburgh Steelers great and NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount, Akil was a multi-sport star in high school. He was even featured on ESPN in high school playing basketball, making a miraculous last second game-winning bucket. With his business degree in hand after Saturday’s commencement exercises, Blount has laid the foundation for a successful career beyond the footprint of Florida A&M University.
“Commencement is definitely going to be a surreal moment, but something I always envisioned myself doing. I never thought the day would come so soon. I’m just thankful for FAMU, the SBI program, and the football program for the person they have allowed me to develop into,” Blount said.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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