promising homegrown DB with two-way athleticism and early playmaking upside
A true freshman/redshirt freshman defensive back at Eastern Kentucky, Darius Akal enters with intriguing two-way production from Harlan High School, where he posted 68 tackles, two sacks, and seven rushing touchdowns in 2024. That blend of physicality, versatility, and local toughness suggests a player who can help on special teams and grow into a reliable defensive contributor. He has no college stats yet, so the appeal is projection: an honor student with an active, competitive background and enough versatility to fit a team that values effort, development, and multi-phase athletes.
