MIAMI GARDENS — It’s right there at the beginning of the man’s bio, as if anyone needed proof in black and white. De’Von Achane was an All-American sprinter in track. Meaning when the Dolphins drafted him, they completed their quartet of the fastest skill threats in the NFL.

Maybe they can’t pass the baton on Sunday afternoons, but they can pass defensive backs.

And if that’s all Dolphins opponents are concerned about now, great. Because Tuesday, Achane had a warning.

“Some people think I’m fast, that I always want to run outside or do outside zone plays,” he said. “But you know, like coach (Jimbo) Fisher said, I also can run in-between the tackles. Most of my big runs in college were in-between the tackles. So I felt like linebackers might over-pursue.”

More from training camp: Dolphins safety Brandon Jones "still not as fast and explosive as I want to be."

Tuesday marked the first time Achane and the 2023 Dolphins lined up against someone else, in this case being the Atlanta Falcons in a joint practice before their preseason opener Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium. The sizzling workout included a play in which Achane accepted the task of heading off a rusher in pass protection, further proof he can play bigger than his 5-foot-9, 188-pound frame suggests.

“That fires you up,” quarterback Mike White said of Achane picking up pass rushers. “That makes you want to get him the ball more. That's a very selfless job, picking up a linebacker full steam. So it's a lot of fun to play with him. It's a lot of fun to watch him grow.”

White has been keeping an eye on the rookie, too.

“He's very talented,” White said. “You can see that from Day 1 when he got here after rookie minicamp. Athletically, he’s very gifted and I think he's starting to really learn the nuances of the pro game. He's not a gadgety speed guy.”

A fellow speedy member of the Dolphins’ offense agreed.

“I’ve seen him running between tackles and break tackles and stay on his feet and do a lot of amazing stuff this camp,” receiver Jaylen Waddle said. “I’m like, ‘Man, he’s going to be good.’ ”

Dolphins safety Brandon Jones compares Achane to Chris Johnson, who compiled a string of six 1,000-yard seasons to start his career in 2008 for Tennessee. Jones said Achane is “the total package” who makes it look effortless.

“I know he’s going to have a super successful rookie season and just overall career,” Jones said.

Running inside ’easier' for De'Von Achane?

The NFL has seen its share of scat backs who tear up defenses around the edge. Achane seems to enjoy doing the grunt work inside just as much, maybe more.

“I like running in-between the tackles anyway,” he said. “I feel like it’s easier for me, as far as my vision and my patience.”

The Dolphins saw enough from Achane at Texas A&M under Fisher that they went against their recent history and selected him high (in the third round). Achane was coming off a 1,102-yard rushing performance in 10 games last year. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry, scored eight touchdowns, plus had 36 catches for 196 yards and four more TDs on receptions and returns. With 161 all-purpose yards per game, he ranked fourth in the nation and led the SEC, which named him to the all-conference team.

In short, he's one of the most intriguing prospects in camp. Achane has relatives coming into town to witness his baby steps into the NFL on Friday night even though he’s trying to maintain perspective.

“Just not trying to, you know, be too excited,” he said. “Just basically stay in the moment. My first NFL game, I don’t want to be too excited and mess up.”

Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at  hhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter  @gunnerhal.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: De'Von Achane creates buzz at Miami Dolphins training camp