Texas A&M RB Devon Achane Plans To Run Fastest 40 Time At NFL Combine
The name of Devon Achane's game is speed, and he plays the game better than most. Can it be enough to set the record in the 40-yard dash?
The former Texas A&M running back known for his success on the track should have the upper hand over most prospects when it comes to breaking the record set by John Ross III in 2017. Even if Achane doesn't surpass the 4.22-time, he still expects to leave Indianapolis as the second coming of 'The Flash' among NFL prospects.
“Of course I expect to run the fastest time,” Achane said Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I saw DJ Turner ran a 4.26. That’s very good. That’s just setting the bar, setting the standard. I can’t wait to go out there and show my speed on Sunday.”
Achane, who took over the full-time starter at running back in 2022 for Isaiah Spiller, has drawn comparisons from some of the top speedsters at the next level. One that Aggie fans might know well is Dante Hall.
Nicknamed "The Human Joystick" during his time in College Station, Hall was drafted in the fifth round back in 2000. He'd spend six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the then-St.Louis Rams from 2006-07.
Hall started his career as a running back before Kansas City moved him to wide receiver. As a return specialist, he became an icon, averaging 23.8 yards per return on kickoffs and 10.5 yards per return on punts. Hall also scored 12 touchdowns during his eight-year career, six coming on punt returns and six more on kickoff returns.
Achane's draft stock could benefit from his skills as a return man. Prior to taking over for Spiller, the 5-9, 195-pounder primarily saw action as a change-of-pace runner and a special teams ace. In three years with the program, Achane averaged 30.7 yards per return on kickoffs and scored a pair of touchdowns.
Currently, Achane is projected to be a mid-round pick, likely finding his name called in the early stages of Round 3. A strong combine could change that narrative thanks to his blazing speed and reliable hands.
“People always say I’m small, but I’ve been dealing with that my whole life,” Achane said. “I feel like my size doesn’t mean anything. I’ve been good in my career this far. I do break a lot of tackles. I’m not the type to take any head-on tackles. I feel like I have natural ability to avoid tackles, and that’s something I’m very, very good at.”
Last season, scouts speculated that Achane couldn't deal with the wear-and-tear of hits as a lead back in the SEC. Instead, he posted his first-1,000-yard season, averaging 5.6 yards per play while scoring eight touchdowns.
Achane said he would work all receiving drills on Sunday, along with running the 40. For his career, Achane tallied 65 receptions for 545 yards and eight scores while averaging 8.5 yards per catch.
As for what teams can expect from him internally, Achane told reporters that any franchise would be adding a "great young leader" and "all-around person." Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher praised Achane for his commanding presence in the locker room last season, along with his attributes as a player.
"I'm not just a good person on the field, but I'm also a good person off it, as well," said Achane.
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