Texas A&M Football: ESPN high on Aggies’ double-threat RB attack

Another day, another article with high praise for the Texas A&M Football team. This time around, ESPN had high praise for the Aggies’ runningback room, which has one of the most threatening two-headed attacks in college football.

That attack is highlighted by Isaiah Spiller, arguably the SEC’s best returning rusher with almost 2,000 yards in his two-year career at A&M.

In ESPN’s preseason college football preseason roundtable, analysts and reporters were asked a series of questions in regards to the upcoming season. Among the questions, one was asked that pertained to TAMU.

Who will become a breakout star in 2021?

The Texas A&M football team has a clear breakout candidate, even if he’s number two on the depth chart

The obvious answer here is not on the Aggies’ roster, and even if you think it is, you’d probably point the finger at likely first-year quarterback starter Haynes King.

Beyond that though, the Texas A&M Football team has an explosive athlete who could easily start if not for the talented player in front of him. Devon Achane, a runningback and track star, has been waiting behind the scenes for his chance to shine.

Last year, Achane didn’t play much, as Isaiah Spiller ate up most of the snaps in the backfield. Even when Spiller wasn’t in, Achane had to fight for time with Ainias Smith, who looks to be making a more full-time transition to wide receiver.

That didn’t stop ESPN’s Dave Wilson from listed Devon Achane as his pick for breakout star in 2021.

"“The Aggies have stars in Isaiah Spiller and Ainias Smith, but Achane, who now averages 8.5 yards per carry during his Aggies career, will force Jimbo Fisher to get creative.”"

Wilson makes note of Achane’s impressive 8.5 yards per carry. While Achane doesn’t always run the ball consistently, he’s as fast as any back in the country. You can’t let this guy see open space without surrendering a 76-yard touchdown run, as the North Carolina Tarheels did in the Orange Bowl last season.

Barring any injuries, Achane will start of 2021-22 season as the number two back on the depth chart, but this elecric runningback should have an increased role in the gameplan compared to his 2020-21 season.

Look for Achane to be one of the better second-options in college football, giving the Aggies a two-dimension running game.