© Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Aggies RB De'Von Achane Ready To Show Versatility and Speed With Dolphins
Two things should help former Texas A&M running back De'Von Achane thrive during his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins; speed and versatility.
Achane, a former track star and home run-caliber threat for the Aggies, wins when he hits the corner and is off to the races. A&M fans saw this regularly during his three seasons in College Station. Scouts caught a glimpse of it during the NFL Combine when Achane posted a 4.32 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time of any prospect at the event.
But the versatility will be something that makes Achane a valuable part of Miami's offense in 2023. Achane might not be the most polished route-runner or return man, but his ability to create separation is uncanny regardless of where he lines up.
“I’m great at special teams (on kick returns). I can catch the ball out the backfield," Achane told local Miami reporters Friday during the Dolphins' three-day rookie minicamp. "I have very good hands. I can line up at receiver. So I can do more than just play running back. I feel like that’s what makes me different.”
Indeed, Achane isn't your average one-trick pony. Even as a sophomore, A&M coach Jimbo Fisher made sure to give the 5-9 running back from Houston ample reps to bolster the Aggies' offensive production. While splitting carries with two-time 1,000-yard rusher Isaiah Spiller, Achane averaged an SEC-leading 7.0 yards per carry.
There's more than meets the eye with the No. 84 pick in last month's NFL Draft. During his three seasons with the Aggies, Achane also totaled 554 receiving yards off 65 catches and finished with five receiving touchdowns.
Achane was also the only Power 5 player to score as a rusher, receiver, and kick returner in 2022. Once he fell outside of the second round, Miami prioritized targeting Achane and making him an all-purpose weapon.
“Speed we generally like around here,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said in April, shortly after the team selected Achane in the third round. “But I think it’s more of you feel like there’s a fit in terms of a guy fitting within your existing team."
Achane's ability to outrun defenders should nuzzle in well opposite Miami's offensive weaponry. Both receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, are known for being burners on the outside. Running back Raheem Mostert has kept himself employed thanks to his blazing legs at the second and third level of defense.
One of the more significant knocks against Achane is his size. Most 5-9 running backs aren't known for being bell-cow runners, even in college. Achane quieted the doubters last season on his durability when he rushed for a career-best 196 carries for 1,102 yards and eight TDs.
Achane told reporters that his size has always been questioned. Some view his diminutive stature as a crutch. Achane views it as an advantage when working behind a stout offensive line.
“I’m shorter," Achane said. "[The offensive line] is big, so it’s kind of hard for them to see ... it’s hard for them to tackle me as well because big guys, it’s kind of hard to tackle small guys.”
South Beach residents should know Achane's name after he put himself on the map back in 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium. Playing against North Carolina, Achane broke free for a 76-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to give the Aggies a 34-27 lead. He'd finish the night with 140 rushing and two touchdowns and was later named the Orange Bowl MVP.
Achane will now call Hard Rock home to begin his NFL career. Before the first game, he hopes to tack on a few extra pounds to lessen the wear and tear on his body. Entering the combine, Achane weighed in at 188 pounds. On Friday, he weighed 192.
“I always knew that I could gain weight,” said Achane. “I just didn’t have the full offseason to gain weight because obviously, I was doing track. This is my first year not doing track, so I actually had the whole off-season to work out and be in football shape. So it kind of helped me with that.”
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