Devon Achane is a name being buried in a loaded running back group but no more. It is time for the world and you, the reader know what is being kept secret at Aggieland.
Achane is more than a football player, and he is also a track star. A track star that is pulling double duty at Texas A&M may slow its development or speed it up. This isn’t a Marquis Goodwin scenario; Achane, at this point, hasn’t shown he wants to do double duty. Once he fully commits to football, the sky is the limit. For now, he will continue to win awards in both sports and approach records in them as well.
Jimbo Fisher Loves his Athletes
Not many college athletes have the careers that Achane had. Focusing on the football first, he was a 4-star recruit and was the fourth-ranked all-purpose back in 2020. While dominating high school football, he was also building up a track career. Achane was enough of a standout in track to earn Gatorade High School Track Athlete of the Year. Earning that in Texas is worth remembering when we progress in this evaluation.
He has seen some split work at RB through two years at College Station. Achane and Isaiah Spiller were a more than formidable duo in the SEC and played a big part in the season Texas A&M had. This coming year, he should see more work in the overall offense, allowing him to continue his rise. He should build on what he has shown thus far, which is good vision and speed to start. We are looking at a hot riser in the NFL draft come April.
What You See When Watching Him
Speed, Speed, and Speed
A lot of RBs have speed. Achane has elite NFL-level speed in his arsenal. Time and again, when you watch him, he is constantly taking what separation or daylight he can get, and he is gone. He served as the lightning in the Aggies’ offense, opposite of Spiller’s thunder. Now he has a chance to take the reigns for some more carries.
Even if he doesn’t get more carries, look at what he does with what he has. Achane had 154 touches and had over 1,171 yards; that doesn’t just happen. His ability to break off big plays, separate from defenders, and in doing that in the SEC should be highlighted.
Versatility
Not only does Achane produce as an RB, but he is used all over by Texas A&M and thrives. He is used a ton in the backfield as a receiver, whether running designed routes or as a safety valve. When he is utilized and gets the ball, he does the same thing as an RB and explodes. Averaging just under 11 yards a reception lets you know what Achane can do in the passing game.
We almost forgot that he also averages 33.4 yards per return when given a chance. He even found the endzone once last year as a kick returner, and teams need to get the ball in his hands.
Summary
Achane won’t be on many of people’s RB rankings, and that is okay for now. Now you can take advantage of someone who will test well at the combine and his pro day. We know the bump those give you, but he also has the film through two years to back it up. Stick some Achane shares in your back pocket and come back in April and say, “I was here first.”
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