Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) signed a $64 million contract extension this off-season. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
1 of 5 | Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) signed a $64 million contract extension this off-season. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI |
MIAMI, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- He's a stealth bomber in an afternoon storm, with defenders as threatening as rain drops as he thrusts through the line of scrimmage.
De'Von Achane's play speaks much louder than he does, but his feet are as fast as his words and among the most fluent in the NFL in the language of offensive dominance.
And Achane, who signed a $64 million contract extension in May, vows to retain the motivation that led to his big paydays.
"I don't ever want to take it for granted," Achane said Monday at Dolphins training camp. "I don't ever want to try to cheat the game.
"That's what drives me to wake up every morning, be here every day, make sure I'm on my studies and make sure I can do everything I can to provide for my family."
Former coach Mike McDaniel once called Achane the Dolphins' "nucleus." New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley cemented that status this off-season, opting to reward the running back with cash while parting ways with former cornerstones Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, among others.
On Monday, Sullivan called Achane, linebacker Jordyn Brooks and center Aaron Brewer, who also received off-season extensions, the new "pillars" of the franchise, during a radio interview.
Hafley, first exposed to Achane two years ago when he was a defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, said he then "lost sleep" over the man he now calls the Dolphins' "most dynamic."
"This guy should be talked about a lot more than he is because he is that good," Hafley said. "He should be considered right now along with the best backs in the NFL."
An offense previously known for its outside speed and aerial explosion -- led by a cast of All-Pro talent -- is in transition. The new regime favors physicality over flash and team over individualism.
Achane, once a breakout rookie, is now the veteran with hopes of becoming a captain. He is essentially being tasked with helping to craft a locker room anchored by the traits he best exhibits.
Former and current teammates and coaches praise his humility and work ethic. He rarely mentions interest outside of football and chiseling his body and mind to prepare for Sundays.
The Missouri City, Texas, native credited his mom for cultivating his unassuming personality.
"I've been playing football for a long time," Achane said. "I just feel like my momma raised me to be a humble young man. I feel like it just comes from being humble and keeping God first.
"It is just instilled in me. I don't try to bash people. You just gotta be raised that way. That's a great job from my mom."
His game day sprints scream anything but humility, but Achane says he doesn't morph into a different person on game day. He just lets preparation and instinct take over.
What he sees
Last season, when Achane led the NFL with 5.7 yards per carry, teammates often described the 5-foot-9 former track star as a chess master.
Fullback Alec Ingold, who often blocked for Achane, said he noticed him manipulating defenders with his eyes and running tempo. Fellow running backs Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright tout his consistency, decisiveness and composure.
Achane may appear statuesque, with hands on his upper thighs as thousands of fans watch at his games, but his eyes flitter. He fills the split seconds before snaps with calculations gleaned from defender movements, peaking from the defensive line, through linebackers and into the secondary, where he often finishes his gallops.
After the snap, the defenders closest to them often have as good of a chance to take him down as those miles away. He disregards desperate arm tackle attempts as defenders dance on oiled ice. His feet chop into the grass, allowing him to avoid dangerous hits and churn for more yards.
"I'm just trying to see what's going on before I get the ball," Achane said. "Because I know where I'm going. They don't."
Carnage of would-be-tacklers is a familiar scene on the Hard Rock Stadium lawn after No. 28 carries the ball. His availability and versatility make him a unique NFL asset.
Achane, 24, missed just one game over the last two seasons.
Pro Football Focus rated Achane as the top running back in the NFL last season, when he ran for a career-high 1,350 yards, caught 67 passes for 488 yards and scored 12 times. He led NFL starting running backs in runs of at least 10 yards (40), runs of at least 15 yards (24) and yards after contact per attempt.
His 127 snaps out of the slot were the most among running backs. His 178 in the slot or out wide trailed only Bijan Robinson.
His willingness to be versatile stretches back to his youth football days in the Texas Triangle.
James Williams coached Achane for the four years he starred at Thurgood Marshall High School (Missouri City). He is considered a legend in the state, which spawned elite running backs Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson, Adrian Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson.
"You knew right away he was special," Williams said. "He was just different than other guys. He was sudden. He was explosive. Those special ones, you can tell they're different."
Achane scored more than 100 touchdowns in high school while also earning 2020 Gatorade Texas Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors. He went on to excel in both sports again at Texas A&M, but ultimately ditched track spikes for shoulder pads.
Williams said Achane always has shied away from the limelight, but relished when opportunities surfaced. That trend continues as the Dolphins often try to invent ways to get the ball in his hands.
Versatility
In one game for the Buffalos, Williams lost his quarterback. His solution was to play Achane at the position. He went on to score seven times, with five at quarterback and two as a kick returner. Williams called that night the "single greatest performance" he's seen.
Williams, who also played Achane at cornerback, sees no change in his personality since then.
"He is no differently wired than he was here with his character, personality and humbleness," Williams said.
Achane's name can still be heard in the halls of Texas high schools because of his exploits. The Buffalos retired his jersey and he sometimes visits to speak to their current players.
"The reality of the matter is, God touches some guys and blesses them with ability," Williams said. "De'Von has ability that not many people in this country have at his age or high school age. ... He was our example for the team. when you have your best player as the hardest worker on the team, you can do great things."
Coaches say Achane improved his knowledge of the playbook, in addition to his contact balance, through his first three seasons. He said his goal during the off-season is to run constantly, improving his cardio so he don't have to miss snaps.
He also prioritizes balance and staying low to the ground, making it nearly impossible for defenders to bring him down.
Achane said this off-season that he wants to win the rushing title. His versatility and the Dolphins' lack of experience at wide receiver also could lead to a season with at least 2,000 yards from scrimmage.
But the running back said he won't be screaming for the ball. In the meantime, he plans to savor the process of generating greatness from the darkness.
"Somebody told me, you've got to be great at doing the boring things," Achane said.