Speaking with Johnny Manziel, De’Von Achane reminisces about his time at Texas A&M.

In the world of college football, few names carry the same weight as Johnny Manziel and De’Von Achane when it comes to Texas A&M. Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, helped shape the culture of Texas A&M football in a way few could have predicted when the Aggies made the jump to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Meanwhile, Achane, one of the fastest and most dynamic running backs in the country during his time at A&M, was the centerpiece of the Aggies’ offense in the years following Manziel’s departure.

Though their careers at Texas A&M overlapped for only a brief period, both players left an indelible mark on the program, bringing excitement, talent, and the promise of a bright future for Aggie football. For Achane, speaking with Johnny Manziel about his time at Texas A&M and the culture that both players were a part of is a chance to reflect on the trajectory of Texas A&M football, the friendships formed, and how their time in Aggieland has shaped their respective journeys.

The Bond Between Johnny Manziel and De’Von Achane

At first glance, Johnny Manziel and De’Von Achane might seem like two players from different worlds. Manziel, the flashy quarterback with a unique playing style that won him national acclaim, was a sensation at Texas A&M from 2011 to 2013. He single-handedly put the Aggies on the national map in their first year in the SEC, with his playmaking ability making headlines each week.

On the other hand, De’Von Achane, a running back who played for the Aggies from 2020 to 2022, was known for his breakaway speed and versatility. He spent the early years of his career in the shadows of A&M’s struggles to find stability at the quarterback position, but he ultimately became the face of a potent offense that relied heavily on his explosive athleticism and ability to change the game in an instant.

Despite their differences in playing style, Manziel and Achane share a bond that transcends football. Achane, though more reserved, admired Manziel’s confidence, flair, and his ability to bring Texas A&M back to the national spotlight. Manziel, in turn, respected Achane’s humility, discipline, and his unrelenting work ethic, which made him one of the top running backs in college football.

When the two sat down to talk about their respective journeys through Texas A&M, there was a shared understanding of what it meant to wear the maroon and white, how their success at A&M shaped their careers, and how the experiences they had helped elevate the program as a whole.

Reflecting on the Early Years: Manziel’s Impact

For Achane, the impact of Johnny Manziel on Texas A&M football cannot be overstated. Manziel’s electrifying play under center in 2012 and 2013 not only made him one of the most recognized faces in college football but also changed the trajectory of the program.

“I came to A&M in 2020, so by that time, Johnny was already a legend,” Achane explains. “But you can still feel his influence when you walk around campus. His name is everywhere, and you know the history. He was the one who made people realize that A&M was ready to compete at the highest level, especially in the SEC. He put us on the map, and that’s something I’ll always appreciate.”

Manziel had a way of capturing the nation’s attention with his daring, improvisational style of play. His 2012 season, in which he won the Heisman Trophy, remains one of the most impressive individual seasons in college football history. His fearless attitude and ability to make plays when everything seemed to be breaking down were hallmarks of his time at Texas A&M. Manziel became the face of the program and a catalyst for the Aggies’ rise in the competitive SEC.

“I’ve always said, it wasn’t just about the wins or losses with Johnny,” Achane continues. “It was about the swagger and energy he brought to the team. He didn’t just expect us to be good, he demanded it. He changed the way we thought about football, and we carried that confidence into our games. For us young guys, it was like we were following in the footsteps of someone who had taken A&M to the next level.”

The cultural shift that Manziel created in College Station resonated deeply with Achane, especially in the way the Aggies viewed their potential on the national stage. While Manziel’s on-field performance was spectacular, it was his leadership and approach to the game that left a lasting legacy.

Achane’s Journey: Rising Through the Ranks

For De’Von Achane, his journey at Texas A&M was marked by steady growth and a commitment to excellence. Coming in as a highly touted recruit from Oak Ridge High School in Humble, Texas, Achane immediately showcased his talents in the Aggies’ backfield. Though his first two seasons were overshadowed by the departure of Manziel and a rebuilding process under Jimbo Fisher, Achane quickly made a name for himself as one of the most electrifying players in the SEC.

“I remember when I first got to A&M,” Achane recalls. “I saw Johnny around the facility, and I was like, ‘That’s Johnny Football!’ But I also saw how hard he worked. I knew then that if I wanted to be great, I had to put in that same level of effort.”

Achane’s physical gifts—speed, vision, and agility—were apparent from the start, but his development into a top-tier running back in the SEC was a result of hard work and dedication. By his sophomore year, he had cemented himself as one of the most dynamic players in college football. His speed allowed him to break away from defenders and his vision helped him find lanes even when the pocket wasn’t clean. He finished his career at A&M as one of the program’s all-time best running backs, known for his game-breaking ability and his consistency.

The Evolution of Texas A&M Under Jimbo Fisher

Both Manziel and Achane played under Jimbo Fisher, though their experiences in the program were very different. Manziel was recruited before Fisher’s arrival and played under Kevin Sumlin during his time in College Station, but Achane was a product of the Fisher era. Fisher, who took over as head coach in 2018, brought a new level of structure and discipline to Texas A&M football, and his approach to coaching had a profound impact on Achane’s development.

“It was a big change, and at first, it was different,” Achane says. “Coach Fisher is a great coach. He’s all about discipline, accountability, and doing the little things right. The way he prepares his players—whether it’s in meetings, practices, or games—sets us up for success.”

Under Fisher’s guidance, Achane flourished, and his play helped propel A&M to several key wins, including a major upset victory over Alabama in 2021. Achane’s success during his time in College Station can be attributed to both his natural talent and Fisher’s coaching, which focused on improving fundamentals and instilling a sense of toughness in his players.

Meanwhile, Johnny Manziel didn’t get to play for Fisher, but he was a fan of what Fisher brought to the program. “Jimbo’s a winner,” Manziel says, looking back at Achane’s time with the Aggies. “He knows how to develop players and get them to play at their best. I think he really helped take the program to the next level. Watching what De’Von has done in his time at A&M has been amazing. He’s the kind of player that makes a difference, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

What’s Next for Achane and Manziel?

As both Johnny Manziel and De’Von Achane move on to the next stages of their careers, the impact of their time at Texas A&M still resonates. Manziel is now focusing on his post-football career, including his media endeavors and personal projects. Achane, meanwhile, is preparing for his transition to the NFL, where his speed and playmaking ability have made him one of the most coveted running back prospects in the 2023 draft class.

Despite the different paths their careers have taken, both players are still deeply connected to the Texas A&M community and the legacy they helped build. “I’ll always be proud to have worn the maroon and white,” says Achane. “A&M is a place that made me who I am today, both as a football player and as a person. I’ll never forget where I came from, and I’ll always be rooting for the Aggies.”

Manziel echoes those sentiments: “A&M gave me everything. It made me who I am, and I’ll always carry that pride with me. De’Von is carrying that torch now, and I have no doubt he’s going to do big things in the NFL.”