The Superstar in Boise: Ashton Jeanty
The Superstar in Boise: Ashton Jeanty
Many don't know about a secret in Boise, Idaho, in the name of Ashton Jeanty. Have you never heard that name before? Let's unravel this enigma so you can see the superstar in Boise.
With less than 100 days until the season begins, I will start a series highlighting offensive and defensive players to watch during the offseason for each Group of Five program. Many people aren't aware of some overlooked players, often referred to as diamonds in the rough. Get ready for an enjoyable journey. I hope you have as much fun as I will.
We'll kick off this series by exploring the Mountain West Conference, where Spencer Danielson is set to lead the Boise State Broncos in his first complete season as head coach.
Around halfway through last season, Danielson took over for Andy Avalos and guided the Broncos to a final record of 8-6, securing their first league championship since 2019. Nevertheless, the previous defensive coordinator will face a challenging task in replicating that accomplishment this year. The upcoming season will bring expanded roles for many of the Broncos' young players on offense and defense.
Keep your focus on this particular player.
Running Back - Ashton Jeanty
The running back position has a long and storied history with the Broncos. The group of running backs in Boise State history is as impressive as some of the best. Ashton Jeanty is incredibly gifted. The college football world was stunned when the All-American player revealed his decision to return to Boise State. Jeanty is backed up by a four-star running back in sophomore Breezy Dubar. The team strengthened the roster by adding talented incoming freshmen Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines.
Typically, in an offense that aims for balance, the running back plays a crucial role and carries a significant amount of responsibility, especially when there is a young and inexperienced quarterback. Allow me to present Ashton Jeanty, a Florida native who played high school football in Texas and will seamlessly adapt to Dirk Koetter's offensive system this season.
In 2023, Jeanty, a sophomore then, received the prestigious honor of being named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year. He finished second in the entire FBS, averaging 164.6 all-purpose yards per game. At 5'9" and 210 pounds, Jeanty is already an exciting prospect for the pro game, considering his acceleration, versatility, and overall frame.
Jeanty had six games where he rushed for over 100 yards, including a remarkable performance of 205 yards and two touchdowns in a victory against San Diego State, as well as an impressive 212 yards and three scores in a close 1-point defeat to Colorado State. Jeanty scored four touchdowns (two rushing and two receiving) against Memphis, but his team lost by three points. Jeanty was a standout player in the Air Force game, with 107 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 118 receiving yards and a score, contributing to a 27-19 win. Moreover, Jeanty scored three rushing touchdowns in the game against North Dakota.
In a remarkable accomplishment, Jeanty became the first FBS player since 2019 to amass 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season. If he stays healthy, Jeanty's draft stock should increase even more between now and the end of the season.
Ashton Jeanty is already zooming up draft boards. Pro Football Focus released their top 50 players in the 2025 NFL Draft Class on Monday. Jeanty was the only player from the Group of Five included on the big board. Jeanty was also the fourth running back included in the list.
Jeanty is undeniably one of the country's most versatile running back prospects. He excels in pass protection and is a valuable asset as a receiver. Jeanty possesses a robust lower body structure, enabling him to power through tackles as a strong, downhill runner. He has the ability to outmaneuver defenders in open areas and then quickly accelerate upfield. The anticipation is that he will be the standout feature back in 2024, surpassing those from the power conferences.
Dirk Koetter, the offensive coordinator for Boise State, draws a comparison between running back Ashton Jeanty and former Bronco Doug Martin, who had a successful seven-year career in the NFL after being drafted 31st overall in 2012.
Former Boise State running backs coach Keith Bhonapha compared Jeanty to a bowling ball because of the way he runs through tacklers. Current running backs coach James Montgomery calls him money.
"He's a sure thing because of how he works," Montgomery said. "The same effort fans see on Saturdays, we see every day on the practice field and in meeting rooms."
I don't think it matters what anyone calls him. Come next April, the coaching staff in Boise knows that there is a legitimate chance that they might be waving goodbye to one of the best running backs to have ever stepped foot onto the campus of Boise State if he resembles what he did last season.
Regarding highly talented prospects, Boise State has a limited selection. He is considered one of the best college football running backs when he is in good health, and it's unlikely that will change this season. Despite being relatively unknown, Ashton Jeanty has the skills to be considered the top RB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the lack of national recognition, he is establishing himself as a potential standout among the running backs in Boise State's history, provided he remains until his senior season, at least regarding the record books.
Cedric Minter set the Broncos' career rushing record 44 years ago, accumulating 4,475 yards from 1977-1980. To surpass that record, Jeanty would need to maintain an average of 1,154 yards over the next two seasons, which would be highly probable. A glaring problem stands out to me: this might be Jeanty's last year at Boise State since he may decide to pursue the NFL Draft. Given his status as a top prospect, it would take a combination of factors, including a desirable team to return to and the opportunity for NIL endorsements, to deter him from pursuing a future in the NFL. Jay Ajayi, Jeremy McNichols, and Alexander Mattison all chose to enter the draft early after their junior seasons, as Boise State players in recent history. At this rate, Minter could easily maintain the record for an additional 44 years.
Jeanty's draft value is predicted to increase this season as he showcases his natural leverage, efficiency, and a sense of urgency that grabs the attention of NFL scouts. Not only is he making the scouts drool over him with his downhill acceleration and speed, but it also doesn't hurt his chances. Additionally, there is a high chance that he will be heavily involved in the Heisman race. Whether or not he wins will depend on factors beyond his control, such as his schedule and the team he's on. However, the excitement and anticipation surrounding Jeanty's performance are undeniable, and it seems like there won't be many setbacks on this journey.
The 2024 season for Boise State will kick off on August 31st with a game against Georgia Southern.
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