Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboy senior Jonathan Akins had his choices on where to take his football skills to the next level. In the end, the 6', 168-pound senior chose the University of Maryland Terrapins as his future team. "I really liked the coaches at Maryland," said Akins. "They have a 'Madison County attitude.' They really want to win." Akins also received offers from Troy University, Rutgers University and Coastal Carolina University.
During his time with the Cowboys, Akins has established himself as a triple-threat on the grid-iron. He has proven to be a dangerous receiver and defensive back with incredible leaping ability that allows him to play as if he were much taller than his six-foot frame would appear. With his blazing speed, he is also a dangerous kick returner of both kick-offs and punts. In his two years of playing for the Cowboys, so far, he has amassed 185 return yards on special teams. He has 37 solo tackles to his credit, along with 51 total tackles. Akins also has eight picks. Offensively, he has 296 receiving yards, with five total touchdowns scored.
Akins has also been a stand-out athlete on the basketball court and last spring Akins placed fifth in the 100-meter dash, with a time of 10.7 seconds, at the state track meet in May of this year. Akins also hopes to run track at Maryland.
Akins hopes to make an impact on a Maryland football team that plays in one of the top conferences in the nation, the Big-10 Conference. Akins could have the opportunity to play against top teams, such as Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. Last season, the Terrapins posted a 7-6 overall record, capped off with a 54-10 victory over Virginia Tech in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City.
Akins plans to study Psychology at Maryland and hopes to pursue a career as a therapist. He is the son of Jonathan Akins, Sr. and Monica Kelly.