RB De’Von Achane
(First I wanted to ask what the past week or two have been like? After you got the call, you were coming to Miami, when did you get down here, what have you been up to?) – “After the call, the first couple days after were pretty emotional. Just soaking everything in and me actually having the opportunity that I have. So it kind of hit me hard and I’m just thinking about all the hard work that I put in to be in this position. I got here May 11, so it’s my second day here.”
(Have you been able to meet some of the other teammates, some of the other players, stuff like that?) – “Yeah, if they came across in the locker room. It’s pretty much rookie minicamp so I just met everybody who’s here.”
(How’d you settle on No. 20? I know CB Cam Smith said it was really the only number available. He said he wanted to do No. 30, but how about you?) – “Yeah, pretty much the same, man. I’m cool with No. 28. I’m not the type of person (that says) ‘oh, I want that number.’ They asked me, ‘do you want this, this, this or this?’ And I just chose a number out of the group.”
(What are you most looking forward to? I know obviously we don’t get to talk to you after the camp, after practice, but what are you most looking forward to the next two days?) – “Just basically learning that offense. That’s something that I just pride myself on. I’m trying to learn so everything can be so smooth when I’m at practice. So that’s just something. I’m trying to learn the schemes, learn what the defense is doing, learn just the play calls and the terminology because it’s different in college. That’s basically it.”
(I know it’s just two days, but early thoughts on Miami, the city, the atmosphere?) – “Like you said, it’s Miami … It’s going to be hot, but I’d rather it be hot than cold. (laughter) So I feel good here and I’m glad that I am here.”
(How much did your size get brought up throughout your career even from college to now in the NFL?) – “It gets brought up a lot. Like you said, everybody’s got their opinion on me. I don’t be worrying about what everybody’s got to say because I know what I can do and I know what I’m capable of, so my size to me doesn’t matter but it does get brought up.”
(How much do you think it benefits you in terms of hiding behind the offensive line?) – “It benefits me a lot. I’m a much smaller back than usual. I’m shorter. O-line is big, so it’s kind of hard for them to see and like you said, it’s hard for them to tackle me as well because big guys, it’s kind of hard to tackle small guys.”
(Can I ask you a couple of really basic questions regarding your name? First your last name is pronounced “AY-chain,” correct?) – “Yes, sir.”
(Second, I saw on social media your first name with an apostrophe in the middle. Is that how you do it?) – “Yeah, it’s D-E-apostrophe, capital V-o-n.”
(What happened where it seems like everyone has been writing it without the apostrophe? What happened there?) – “I mean, they’re doing that, so they almost likely call me ‘Devin’ and then I tell them it’s ‘De’Von.’ And then they be like ‘oh…’ And then I tell them how you spell it. And then they be like, ‘okay, I get it now.’”
(Kind of bouncing off a previous question, one of the things I had seen was that maybe you would be able to put on more weight or maybe you kept your weight a little bit down because you were also running track at Texas A&M. Do you think that you plan on putting on more weight in the NFL or do you think you’re good with where you’re at right now?) – “I’m actually the heaviest I’ve been right now. I was like 192 when I weighed in this morning. I always knew that I could gain weight. I just didn’t have the full offseason to gain weight because obviously I was doing track. This is my first year not doing track so I actually had the whole offseason to work out and be in football shape. So it kind of helped me with that.”
(Have you been able to elude tacklers going way back to when you first picked up a football, would you say?) – “I mean, that was a long, long time ago. I probably don’t remember some of it, but it was kind of my – he probably kind of gave me the ‘okay, do you want to play football?’ When I first got on the football field, I kind of didn’t know what I was doing, but it was fun to me and it made me want to learn it. When I got to learn it, I found out I was good at it, so it’s something that I love and I enjoy doing.”
(Do you still love track, too? I know you’re not a track man now, but…?) – “Yeah, track will always be there. That’s something that I was good at that as well, so I love track as well, but I knew what my profession – I knew that football was my favorite sport. That’s something I’ve been playing since I was three years old. I only started running track since I got to high school. So football kind of outweighed that.”
(The adaptability from college to the pros, how has your schedule been adjusting to that?) – “Kind of like you said, you’ve got to make sacrifices. Like you said, these three days that we have rookie minicamp, it’s going to be hard. You’re getting up early. You’ve got to go to sleep. You’ve got to eat. So basically just getting my body right and my mind right. And just basically trying to just learn the scheme and learn the plays as fast as I can.”
(Are there restless nights where you’re trying to understand the playbook and just the different schematics that your coaches are informing you of?) – “I wouldn’t say it’s restless nights because like I said, we spend a long time in meetings so they make sure that we’ve got as much information as we can. If you want some add-ons that you spend like 10, 15 minutes at the hotel. But no, they give us enough time to get to sleep, eat.”
(I know a lot of people have mentioned speed and things like that, but what are some other things that you think set you apart coming into this group?) – “I feel like I can play – I’m great on special teams, I can catch the ball out of the backfield, I have very good hands, I can line up at receiver. So I can do more than just play running back. So I feel like that’s what makes me different.”
(And as a young guy, how do you balance coming in, trying to make a name for yourself, making a good impression and not letting the moment be too big and emotions overcome?) – “You’ve just got to be humble. Like you said, don’t let – you know what you came here to do. Always keep the main thing the main thing and I’m just trying to get here and focus and make sure that I learn the scheme so when I am at practice, I’m just trying to make it to where I make as little mistakes as possible.”
(Coach Jimbo Fisher mentioned when you coming back for the LSU game after the injury said a lot about your character. I’m curious why you decided to play that last game there at A&M?) – “So at that time, LSU was a top-five team. They were trying to win so they could get in the top four and make the playoffs. They were a great team. I knew it was going to be a very competitive game and I’m a very competitive person and so much of that – I told my teammates I was going to miss the two weeks before that because my foot was hurt, but I told them that I’m going to make sure I get it good enough so I can play with y’all because some of the seniors, it might’ve been their last time playing on Kyle Field. So I just wanted to be there to share that moment with them so I made sure I was on that field with them at that time.”
(Since you were drafted, I guess you’ve had a few more interactions with Head Coach Mike McDaniel. What’s your impression of him as you’ve gotten to know him?) – “He’s a very funny guy. He’s always got jokes, but at the end of the day, he’s serious and he’s a great coach and I plan on learning from him and I feel like I’m in a great position to do so.”
(You talked about learning the scheme, but what are some key things you have to know now going into this?) – “Basically just know the plays. Like you said, I could be used at different things like receiver and special teams, so I have to come in with my head on my shoulders and make sure that I’m grasping the most information as I can.”
(When people talk about you, we often hear of Darren Sproles and I’m wondering if you know who he is and if that’s a fair comparison?) – “Yeah, I know who he is. He was one of the shorter backs like I am. Great running back. Like you said, all great running backs don’t have to be big, 6’3”, 6’4”. I feel like he’s a great example of that. So I feel like, like I said, everybody talks about my size, but I know what I’m capable of and I’m good at the size that I am right now.”
(Have you had much contact with guys like RB Raheem Mostert and RB Jeff Wilson Jr.? Have they given you any advice yet?) – “I just talked to (Jeff) Wilson. I’d seen him in the locker room, so he was telling me it’s going to be a grind. I came prepared for that. Mostert, he’s not here. If I saw him in the locker room, I’m pretty sure he’d have great advice for me.”
T Ryan Hayes
(Have you gotten more sense from Offensive Line Coach Butch Barry or Head Coach Mike McDaniel if they want you to work at tackle? I know there was some talk about guard amongst draft evaluators. Do you think you’ll be a tackle here initially?) – “I’m not sure yet. I’m going to start learning the playbook, every position, and do what the coaches tell me day-to-day and keep working that way.”
(I know you originally told us that you don’t know too much about wide zone. Have you studied it? What have you learned?) – “I definitely know the concept. We ran it at Michigan at practice all the time. We didn’t run it much, but I do have a good concept of outside zone, and this last day I’ve learned a lot already.”
(What are the key differences that you’ll need to adjust to?) – “Just different aiming points, different foot work. Just little stuff.”
(What did you think of the team bringing in a Michigan State tackle undrafted?) – “I was talking to him, messing around with each other. He’s a good guy. We’re all the same here.”
(What has the past week been like since you got the call that you were going to be drafted? When did you get to Miami and what have you been up to?) – “I’ve been super excited. I just got the call and kept working out at home with family. Spent that time and got ready to come down. Got down here yesterday, and just got right into it. Did all my testing, got into meetings and it’s a good feeling. There is a lot going on, just getting my footing and figuring everything out.”
(I know a lot of the rookies are down here, but have you been able to run into any of the vets?) – “Not too many. A couple have been around but we haven’t really had time to talk to anyone. It’s mostly been the other rookies.”
(What are you most looking forward to the next two days of rookie minicamp?) – “Soaking everything up from the coaches, getting NFL coaching and learning the scheme and soaking it all in.”
(Have you gotten a playbook?) – “Yes, we got a little bit of the install, but obviously not the whole playbook. We’re working a little bit into it.”
(What’s your impressions of the offensive line coach, Butch Barry?) – “He seems awesome. He really says things that are well thought out. He has a lot of good information, a lot of techniques. Just soaking everything up. Obviously he’s coached a long time in this league, so everything he says is valuable.”
(We asked you when you first got drafted if you had any sense whether you might go from tackle to guard. Do you have any impression of the plan there?) – “Not really. I’ve been here a day. I’m just going to do what coaches tell me day-to-day, and we will figure it out from there.”
(If you do get asked to take some snaps, what do you think may be the biggest transition point, or the biggest thing for you making that transition or that switch?) – “Everything is a little different with the footwork. Everything is a little tighter, a little closer. Just little things to adjust to. A little footwork. Got great coaches here. I’ll be in great hands.”
(What are your impressions of Miami? Have you been to Miami before?) – “I’ve been a few times. We played a game here a couple of years ago in the playoffs. I vacationed here like once. But yeah, it’s beautiful down here. I definitely got to get used to the heat, but it’s really exciting.”
(The NFL schedule came out. Did you take a look at it? See a lot of primetime games? What was your thought?) – “Yes, absolutely it’s exciting. I saw the Germany game. That looks awesome. A lot of primetime games. I’m excited to get going.”
CB Cam Smith
(We don’t know your schedule, is that the first time you’ve worn a Dolphin’s jersey?) – “Definitely. It’s the first time I’ve put it on.”
(What was it like to put it on for the first time?) – “It felt kind of surreal. I had to send my mother a little first day at work picture. It was kind of surreal being in the moment, seeing myself for the first time with an NFL team logo on. It’s just kind of surreal.”
(How did you decide on No. 24?) – “It really was the only option left. I wasn’t going to be in 30 or nothing like that. I had to make sure I got me a little good number.”
(What have you been doing since you’ve gotten here?) – “The last week really has been hectic. I’ve been down here most of the time. I got a little Airbnb down here before camp started, so I’ve been staying there. I left like two days after I got drafted. I was ready to go so I came down here and started working out with Gold Feet (Global) to make sure I stayed in shape, making sure I stayed good with everything else.”
(Have you had a chance to meet some of the other cornerbacks on the team?) – “I met Xavien (Howard) when I was on a top 30 visit and then I saw him in the training room yesterday and chopped it up with him. I haven’t talked to (Jalen) Ramsey yet. But I probably will be in a little bit.”
(Did CB Xavien Howard give you any advice?) – “Not right now. He didn’t really say too much. We just wrapped it up about regular stuff.”
(I talked to Clayton White at South Carolina. He said that one of the first things you’re going to notice about Cam is his smile and how he loves to play football. Tell me about that, your personality, your love for the game, your competitiveness.) – “I feel like this is really the only time I really do smile a lot is when I’m talking about football or when I’m on the football field and stuff like that. Just being out there showing my personality, showing what I know, showing what I can do and just kind of being me.”
(He also said that you’re aggressive and sometimes you have to control that. Tell me about that. He said you’re going to make plays, you’re going to jump routes but sometimes you can be aggressive, it’s just got to be controlled. Tell me about that aspect of your game.) – “I try to stronghold people a lot and assert my dominance on people. Sometimes that gets me into trouble. But just playing controlled, playing within myself, and not really trying to do too much and just try to make a play.”
(How much of a luxury do you think it will be coming into a team with guys like CB Xavien Howard and CB Jalen Ramsey?) – “I’ve heard a lot of people say it. I know it. I’ve come into the right position. Being under two All-Pro corners, dudes that are the highest paid at their position, dudes that have done stuff the right way. Just being underneath them and picking their brains everyday is going to be big.”
(Do you know if you will get a spot on the beach or downtown? Are you a beach guy?) – “I’ll mess with the beach. I probably won’t mess with that price but the beach would be nice. Probably just a little pool or something in the back so I could look at the water and stuff like that.”
(Today is about as cool as it’s going to get. Have you been warned?) – “Like I said, I’ve been working with Gold Feet (Global), so I’ve been out in the sun the whole time trying to get acclimated to it. I’m blessed to have this day right here.”
(When you go into camp, how do you balance making a name for yourself, impressing coaches and not doing too much?) – “Just staying in the moment. Not really thinking about what’s next. Know what my assignment is, knowing what my technique is for that play, and doing that play, and staying on the same trail. Because if I start looking at too much, that’s when the emotions start flowing in.”
TE Elijah Higgins
(Has Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Jon Embree given you any homework assignments?) – “Yeah, I got the playbook a couple of days ago, so I’ve been digging into that. Obviously learning a few different roles I’m not quite used to. But it has been fun so far and I’m excited for this first practice.”
(Are you studying tape of any particular tight ends that Jon Embree has recommended or that you’ve thought of on your own?) – “Yeah, we’ve been watching a lot of (George) Kittle tape. Obviously he was there with the 49ers. Then I’m going to watch the guys here, in the system that we run, seeing how they do it and emulating that.”
(Have you had to juggle Stanford exams or work while doing this the last two weeks?) – “No, I’m off from school right now. I’m off duty.”
(With this transition, when did it first get brought up to you as a possibility for your NFL career?) – “My senior year of high school.”
(So everybody wanted to convert you to tight end?) – “It was a talk for sure. A lot of teams were recruiting me, I guess, as a receiver. But obviously it became more real these past few months.”
(What were the talks like at Stanford regarding that?) – “I ended up playing a big slot role, so it was essentially very similar to a flexed-out F tight end minus all of the blocking assignments. That will carry over for sure but obviously we’re going to have to learn how to block on the interior.”
(What sticks out to you about the wide zone scheme, specifically the role of the tight end?) – “I’m excited, to be honest. I still don’t know too much. The practice plays that we are running right now are pretty minute and pretty straight-forward, so we’ll see how it feels today.”
(If you’ve had any questions the past two weeks, have you texted either Jon Embree or TE Durham Smythe or anyone? Or have you just been saving them?) – “A little bit of both. I’ve been in contact with Coach Embree and asking him questions here and there, just trying to earn my respect here on the field and do my best job.”
(The teams you visited, how many planned to move you to tight end?) – “I would say like 28 out of 32. A rough estimate.”
(So the first time you heard the words tight end from someone’s mouth, going back to high school, you thought what?) – “In high school, I wanted to play receiver. In college, I knew that was – seeing how my body transitioned through the years, I definitely got excited for it because I think it definitely fits my skill set pretty well.”
(So how close are you to being TE George Kittle right now?) – “(laughter) Far from it. I haven’t even had my first practice yet. So far from it.”
(Do you feel like you have to put on some pounds?) – “Not necessarily. I’m definitely going to try to get upwards of 240-245 going into training camp and try to maintain that. We’ll just see how my body feels. If I’m able to do things that I’m doing right now at 238, I’m cool with that. If not – obviously you’ve got professionals in here, so listening to them to see what they say about it as well.”
(There’s some overlap obviously playing in the slot and tight end, but is this the first time in your life you will officially be a tight end?) – “Yes, sir.”
(How close are you to getting your degree and what is your degree in?) – “My degree is in psychology and I’m about two-and-a-half classes away from getting it.”
(So when do you plan to finish?) – “Offseason.”
