Could Devon Achane be a dark horse Heisman contender in 2022?

A fast start often results in a race won.

That would be obvious to anyone who saw Texas A&M’s Devon Achane’s 6.63-second victory in the 60-meter dash two weeks ago.

Achane is the fastest man in college football. He starts fast. He finishes fast. He wins races.

With that in mind, why not get a fast start on hyping Achane as a Heisman Trophy contender in 2022?

No doubt, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young — the 2021 recipient — will be the strong favorite. Also, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back Trayveon Henderson and USC quarterback Caleb Williams will be hyped as leading contenders. As will Alabama linebacker Will Anderson.

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Achane’s production should see a huge jump in 2022 with the new starting role. 

The bet here is Achane will emerge as a dark horse because he’s a racehorse who might finally be the Aggies’ workhorse.

This opinion is not based on hope. It is not based on bias. It is based on mathematics.

Last season, Achane rushed for 910 yards and nine touchdowns on 130 carries. He ranked 57th in the nation in rushing yards.

Yet, Achane had fewer attempts than all of the 56 rushers ahead of him. His 7.0 yards average per attempt was higher than all of them as well.

Of course, one of those who had more yards and attempts was Texas A&M starting running back Isaiah Spiller, who has departed for NFL fame and fortune.

That should result in significantly more attempts for Achane. If Achane doubles his rushing attempts to 260, he could theoretically double his production to 1,820 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.

That’s a Heisman-type year.

For those who scoff, remember Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker was arguably the leading candidate last season until he was held to 25 rushing yards on six carries in a  56-7 loss to Ohio State on Nov. 20.

Walker finished last season with 263 carries for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Further, Achane is more of a receiving threat than Walker was. Last season, Walker had 13 catches for 18 yards. Achane had 24 catches for 261 yards.

Also, Walker did not return kickoffs. Anybody in Alabama can attest that Achane does.

Indeed, it’s the big-play element that Achane displayed on that 96-yard touchdown return in the Aggies’ win over Alabama, which will make him a serious contender.

So many voters rely on highlights. Achane is a highlight waiting to happen.

Already in his career, he has scored nine touchdowns on plays that covered between 20 and 96 yards. All that despite having limited touches.

Just last season, Achane had five rushes of 30 yards or more. Walker had eight.

Achane has tremendous potential for a dramatic spike in big plays. Not only could he double his touches, but he’ll play with a better quarterback. He’ll be behind an offensive line that should be improved in four of the five positions. A&M figures to have more explosive receivers that may prevent defenses from stacking the box.

Of course, skeptics would question Achane’s durability at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds. But he runs with more power than some realize, and he seldom takes a solid hit.

Also, some might doubt coach Jimbo Fisher will give Achane the volume of carries necessary to make a Heisman run.

That’s a legitimate point. However, recall that in 2018, Fisher ran Trayveon Williams 271 times for 1,760 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Fisher will use a racehorse for a workhorse when necessary.

As for the dark horse… well, the Texas A&M Sports Information Department should address that.

SIDs often promote players as candidates by distributing trinkets to Heisman voters. BYU once sent out neckties to hype quarterback Ty Detmer. Memphis produced die-cast race car models for running back DeAngelo Williams. Rutgers sent binoculars so voters could watch running back “Ray Rice run.”

A&M should consider producing chains linked with the letter ‘A’. Achane… get it? Hey, it doesn’t have to be brilliant. It just has to get voters aware of him.

Distribute them as fast as possible. Remember fast starts lead to races won.