College Career
Akbar was a three-year letterman at the University of Washington. Akbar played in 33 games, including 26 consecutive starts at Safety. He proved to be a versatile player, starting at both Strong and Free safety. In his college career he recorded 225 tackles (123 solos) with eight tackles for losses. He also had four interceptions for a total of 52 yards. He also recorded five fumble recoveries and forced two fumbles. He played a major role in the 2000 Huskies 11-1 season and #3 overall ranking by Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today. While at Washington, he majored in Construction Management.
As a freshman in 1998, Akbar was a First-team All-American selection by The Sporting News, while adding honorable mention from Football News. He played in all 11 games at Free safety, starting the final four games of the season. He ranked third on the team with 59 tackles (36 solos).
As a sophomore in 1999, Akbar was a Second-team All-Pac-10 selection. He was named team Co-Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year by KOMO 1000 AM. He was switched to Strong safety before the start of season and started all 11 games. He finished fourth on the team with 69 tackles (33 solos), including three for loss a total of -9 yards. He intercepted a pass for a four-yard return and deflected six others. He forced and recovered two fumbles. He also had one quarterback pressure.
As a junior in 2000, Akbar was a First-team All-American selection by the NFL Draft Report and CNNSI, as well as an honorable mention selection from College Football News. He was also a First-team All-Pac-10 selection. He led the team with 97 tackles (54 solos), including five for losses. He intercepted two passes for 31 yards and deflected six others. He also recovered two fumbles.
Akbar lined up at Strong safety for the first eight games before shifting to Free safety when teammate and friend Curtis Williams suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury. After Williams' injury, Akbar considered quitting football. He recorded double-digit tackles in four games during the season and also set a career-high with 19 tackles against Oregon State. It was the highest single-game total since John Fiala recorded 22 tackles in 1996.
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