Texas A&M’s longest play of the 2021 season was Devon Achane’s 96 yard kickoff return against Alabama. Alabama scored on a blocked up to reduce A&M’s lead to 24-17 and Achane’s 96 yard return for a TD swung the score deficit (and momentum) clearly back into A&M’s favor. Today we’re breaking down Achane’s kick return for a touchdown.
Play Concept
The older way of scheming kick returns was somewhat rudimentary. All members of the kick return team would rally to a point in front of the returner and form a small wall of blockers. The wall would advance down the field while the kicking team would attempt to break the wall and send in defenders to tackle the ballcarrier. To counter this method, teams began directionally kicking the ball to one harshmark on the field so the kickoff team could converge on one point and limit the area for the blockers to form and close off angles for the return.
A&M uses a 6-3-2 formation in their kickoff return.
The idea is for one of the two deep returners to catch the ball near one hash or the other, and then the other KR and two of the three blockers form a three man staggered blocking wall.
Here is A&M’s 6-3-2 formation right before the ball is kicked.
Devon Achane has received the kickoff and the other kick returner, Jalen Preston, is moving in front of him to block. Three others are in the picture as you see the beginning of a blocking formation.
The Kickoff Return
Preston leads Achane as the blockers create a tunnel for him. First part of breaking off a big return is simply making the first defenders miss. Here, the first defenders are blocked.
Preston continues to lead the way as Achane flies through the tunnel created by the blockers. Notice the maroon jerseys between the Bama tacklers and Achane, the kick return team is doing their job.
#16 is Alabama kicker Will Reichard. The kicker is the safety on the kickoff team. If the kicker needs to make the tackle, you’re near the last line of defense for the kickoff team.
Achane hits the opposite hash mark on the kick return. He is now even with the last Bama defender, DB Jalyn Armour-Davis. Davis is not in a position to make the tackle because Achane has the angle and is about to hit full speed.
Jalen Preston raises his hand signaling a score because he knows Achane is gone. Keep in mind Achane caught the ball at the 4 yard line and breaks free at the 36 yard line. Navigating would-be tacklers to freedom took place inside a 32 yard window. 32 yards is what separates a good return from the biggest play of the season.
Executing The Kick Return
When a few players work together and do their jobs, magic happens.
Overhead View
You can see Achane read the blocks while he’s flying down the field full speed on the return. Result of the play is a touchdown and a 31-17 lead for A&M.
