NFLDB Draft Profile: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Ric's scouting report for Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
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Devon Achane, Running Back, Texas A&M
#6 | Jr | 5084 | 188 | 4.32 | Missouri City, TX | 10.13.01 (21.11)
Evaluation: A whip and wham type back, Achane can skate around defenders with sudden movement burst, or lower the shoulder boom to pick up additional yardage after contact. The fleet-footed runner possesses game-breaker ability. He stays patient and walks the line of pressing the hole versus sugar-footing, oftentimes shaking first-level defenders effortlessly. His compact frame and short stature allow him to play pinball between the tackles, as he owns an array of open field moves. In addition, Achane runs with forward lean, protecting the ball in traffic and constantly falls forward in a crowd. He displays stellar elusiveness in tight spaces, which makes him such a dangerous weapon as a return man—he had a kick return for a touchdown in each of the past two seasons. Achane has shown to be an adept pass-catcher out of the backfield, especially on wheel routes and will often exploit linebacker mismatches. He’s eager in pass protection, showing his competitive nature despite any labels. His lack of size and functional strength would be his biggest liability, showing an inability to break tackles or stay balanced through contact. While he will primarily be viewed as a wide zone runner, Achane possesses the vision and lateral agility to hit back side holes. You can make sure wherever the ‘A-Train’ lands, he’ll be bringing some of that Texas steam along with him. Projects as a top 100 overall selection.
Quotable: “If you watch, his runs aren’t just going outside. The majority of his runs are between the tackles. The guy has an unbelievable knack to get through there — he’s very patient and a natural runner.” – Texas A&M HC Jimbo Fisher
Background: Missed the Auburn game in November of 2022 (walking boot). His mileage was preserved for most of his time in College Station, splitting time with Isaiah Spiller (Los Angeles Chargers) until this past year. He finished his collegiate career on a high note, rushing for over 120 yards in each of his final three games, including a career high 38 carries for 215 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his final game against LSU, breaking the 1,000-yard barrier for the first time in his career. Added 20 kick returns for 613 yards (30.7 average) and two touchdowns. A member of the Aggies track team, he posted a 100-meter dash of 10.14 seconds, the 10th-fastest time in program history. Coached by James Williams at Fort Bend Marshall High School; named 2019 Touchdown Club of Houston Offensive Player of the Year, rushing for 2,097 yards on 185 attempts (11.3 yards per carry) and 48 touchdowns. Measured in with eight-inch hands and 29-inch arms at the NFL Combine. Underclassmen who declared early. Repped by RocNation Sports.
Combine Q&A with Devon Achane
What is something you offer that other running backs do not?
“Most definitely, special teams, that's a big part. You can't just be an offensive player…kickoff return, I also did some gunner. I'm willing to do everything I can to win."
What part of your overall game have you been working on trying to improve upon the most during the offseason?
"I've just been trying to get my body right this offseason. My foot, I had a few injuries there, missed two games. So, I've been trying to get that and most definitely my pass protection. I've been learning a lot of schemes and stuff like that."
How do you learn best?
"I'm more of a walkthrough type of guy. I feel like if I've done it so many times it just gets stuck in my brain. I feel like I learn very easy. Once I see something, doing it so many times, it just comes naturally to me."
What play in the huddle gets you hyped up?
"We don't really have a huddle. Anytime they called a collar play, they've been the best plays for me. I don't need to get the ball here. I'll be happy about any play call that gets me the ball."
What are some traits, other than speed that separates you?
"I feel like I have great vision. I feel like I can make one cuts. I always try to run north and south. I don't ever try to get tackled behind the line of scrimmage. If the play is going bad, I always try my best to get positive yards."
You seem to run angry, is that a mentality?
"I feel like I'm gone. I just feel like I just run natural. I don't feel like -- it's something that I've been doing for a very long time."
Why did you decide to attend Texas A&M?
"It was just home. It's a great community there. It's a big football town and it's also 30 minutes from my home. So, it was a good thing. My family could come to every home game. So, my mom really liked it when she was there."
Have a great day!
Ric
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