Akins thrilled to get first offer

ROSWELL, Ga., -- Junior cornerback Shon Akins of Norcross (Ga.) figured he was bound to get offer No. 1 soon. He just didn't know when it would come or which program would pull the trigger.

Late last week, Cal ended the suspense.

"I was sleeping, and my dad came in and woke me up to tell me," Akins told Rivals.com at the New Level Athletics Elite 7v7 over the weekend. "I was very happy. It was a complete surprise. I had talked to them before they offered. I've talked to Coach [Ashley] Ambrose. He told me he wanted me to stay in contact with him and to call if I ever had a question about the school. I guess he watched my film and he likes how I change direction."

With the offer in hand, the 5-feet-9, 160-pounder is eager to get an up-close look at the Bears.

"I plan on going out to visit Cal during spring break," Akins said. "That's the first week of April. It will be an expensive trip but my dad said he is willing to pay for it. I want to go see Coach Ashley and the campus. It's the first school to offer so I have to give them respect."

According to Akins, he also is hearing from schools such as Florida State, LSU, Miami, Missouri and Oklahoma State. He thinks the Cowboys could be close to offering.

"Pretty much all the schools want me to camp," Akins said. "I've also been invited to LSU junior day. My dad is planning on taking me. I'm probably going to Florida State's camp this summer. I think getting that offer is going to help. People say that once that first offer comes, a lot more start coming in."

A three-year starter, Akins has five career interceptions.

Keith Niebuhr can be reached at Keithrivals@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.