‘The best in the country’
Fort Bend Marshall coach James Williams is often out of words to describe Devon Achane.
• But simply remarking that “Devon is Devon” somehow is enough. If you’ve watched enough of Achane, you know so. The Chronicle’s Offensive Player of the Year was a sight to behold as a senior, especially in the playoffs.
• He totaled 2,266 rushing yards on 201 carries with 40 touchdowns on the ground and 50 total after adding his work as a receiver. Achane caught 38 passes for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns.
• He’s built a career out of being an electric kick and punt returner. He’s even taken direct snaps and perhaps it’s a preview of how Texas A&M will use him at the next level.
• He was a touchdown in a can and an electric play at the snap of a finger. He’s finishing his Marshall career with 115 total touchdowns and one of the catalysts in turning this program from one with budding potential to one as a legit power.
• It comes without the ultimate prize — a state championship. Marshall reached the state title game in consecutive years with only Aledo standing in the way.
• It doesn’t damper Achane’s career or Marshall’s rise. Achane will play football and run track for the Aggies and emphasis should be placed on his track accomplishments. • He’ll aim to help Marshall win a fifth track and field state championship in six years this spring.
Q: Your class helped bring the spotlight to Marshall football and the community in general. What is that feeling like as you near graduation?
A: “When I first came to Marshall, they had like a 4-6 record. (Class of ) 2020, we’re different. We had a dominant mindset. We didn’t like to lose. All we did is compete in practice. When you compete in practice against the best, then the game is easy. The fans come out everywhere we go. They come support us. The community comes out. They showed us some love and we showed them love. We just like to compete. It was an amazing feeling. I thank everybody that supported us and were along with us on our journey.”
Q: Manvel head coach Kevin Hall called you the best player in the country. What is your reaction to something like that?
A: “I just tell him thank you. I’m blessed and grateful for everything. After the game, he told me I’m the best player he’s ever coached against and he just can’t wait to see me play on Sundays. I was thankful for that and grateful.”
Q: How excited are you to play at Texas A&M?
A: “I was really excited when I got to play on my home field (against Boerne Champion at Kyle Field in the state semifinals). It’s a great, great community. When we were at the game, the whole staff was there. They just support me in everything that I do. Not just in football, outside of football.”