As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a running back whose college stats, accolades, and mindset have set him apart in a class rich with backfield talent.
After nearly breaking Barry Sanders’ long-standing single-season rushing record in 2024 and finishing second in Heisman voting, Jeanty is no longer flying under the radar. His decision to remain at Boise State instead of chasing opportunities elsewhere has only strengthened his case as the most NFL-ready running back in this year’s draft.
Jeanty could be the NFL’s next breakout RB
Jeanty’s résumé includes the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards, All-America honors, and a Mountain West Conference Player of the Year title.
Over three seasons, he racked up 5,664 all-purpose yards and 56 touchdowns, leading Boise State to a 12-2 finish and a College Football Playoff appearance.
Still, he believes his journey has been defined less by hype and more by hard-earned respect.
“Growing up as an athlete, you think that you have to go to these bigger programs to become a highly touted draft pick and go in the first round,” Jeanty said in a recent interview.
“But my path is different, going to a Group of 5 school. It just gave me that motivation to work harder and to really earn, nothing’s been given to me through this path.”
That determination is part of what’s made Jeanty a standout throughout the pre-draft process.
His film showcases rare contact balance, elite production after contact, and a complete skill set that includes pass-catching and blocking, traits he believes are increasingly important in today’s NFL.
“It’s not just running the ball, right?”Jeanty said.
“There’s three different phases of what a running back does, and I think that brings value to any offense if that guy is doing it at a high level.”
While no running backs were selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Jeanty is poised to end that drought.
Teams like the Bears, Jaguars, Broncos, and Raiders have reportedly shown strong interest.
For Jeanty, the destination matters less than the environment.
“I think it starts from the top and trickles down to every little area,” he said.
“A team that’s gonna use me to the best of my abilities, put me in the right situations… and then you want a great group of teammates around you so that you all can have success together.”
Jeanty also had a message for his future fan base: “It’s known that you’re getting a great football player from watching the film… I’m looking forward to being in whatever fan base, community that I’m going to,” he said.
“That’s an aspect of the game that you really need.”
All signs point to Jeanty hearing his name early on draft night in Green Bay, and wherever he lands, he’s ready to prove that his unique path was the right one.
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