Ashton Jeanty Shines as NFL Draft Prospect: A Unique Talent with a Bright Future

Ashton Jeanty Shines as NFL Draft Prospect: A Unique Talent with a Bright Future

Ashton Jeanty, a premier NFL Draft prospect, delivered a remarkable performance this past season at Boise State, solidifying his status as one of college football’s most exciting talents. The 21-year-old running back achieved a staggering total of 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging an impressive seven yards per attempt. This performance places him second in the record books for the most rushing yards in a single season, surpassed only by the legendary Barry Sanders.

Jeanty’s success did not occur overnight. His running backs coach, James Montgomery, recently shared insights into Jeanty’s journey and the pivotal moments that led to his breakout season. Montgomery expressed admiration for Jeanty,, revealing the depth of the player’s talent and character.

From Two-Headed Monster to Star

During his sophomore year, Jeanty was expected to share the backfield duties with George Holani, a veteran presence on the team. Unfortunately, Holani suffered an injury early in the season, which allowed Jeanty the opportunity to step into a starting role.

Montgomery recalled the moment this shift occurred, acknowledging the unpredictability of the situation. He said, “Going into the 2023 season, I thought it was going to be a two-headed monster, but I kind of knew Ash was ready to take over that No. 1 role in the backfield. We really didn’t have a choice.” Jeanty didn’t disappoint, racking up 1,347 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 43 receptions for 569 yards and five receiving touchdowns during his sophomore season.

Proving Himself in Practice

Coach Montgomery recognized Jeanty’s potential long before the statistics reflected it. Throughout spring training, Montgomery observed a significant change in Jeanty’s approach to the game, signaling the start of his special junior year.

“There was a moment during a duo play drill where I saw the way he pressed the hole and made his cuts. I knew right then that the light bulb had turned on for him,” Montgomery remarked. This understanding of the game didn’t come easily for Jeanty; it required intense focus and training over many months. Jeanty himself referred to his offseason preparation as entering “dark mode,” emphasizing his commitment to rigorous workouts.

Montgomery noted that Jeanty’s determination to excel was evident in practice. He consistently led other players in drills, demonstrating unparalleled effort and focus. Montgomery explained, “If you just watched him at practice, he’s first in line for every drill. He never shied away from challenges, even when he faced limited live action during spring ball. He wanted to prove himself during fall camp, and he approached it like a man on a mission.”

A Historic Start to the Season

Jeanty opened the season with a stellar performance against Georgia Southern, rushing for 267 yards and scoring six touchdowns in a thrilling 56-45 victory. This match showcased Jeanty’s explosive abilities and set the tone for the remainder of the season.

Montgomery immediately recognized that Jeanty’s performance hinted at an extraordinary year. He remarked, “When you start Week 1 with 267 yards, you realize you have a chance to achieve something really special. We set a goal of 2,000 yards and pushed ourselves to approach that milestone while maintaining focus on improvement each week.”

Heading Towards the NFL

Jeanty’s record-setting season caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. The accolades piled up, and his performance in critical games demonstrated his capacity to shine under pressure. The Boise State Broncos finished the season at 12-2 and secured the Mountain West Conference title. They earned a second seed in the College Football Playoff and reached the Fiesta Bowl, where they faced Penn State.

Jeanty’s impressive season nearly earned him the Heisman Trophy, with only Travis Hunter from Colorado receiving more first-place votes. The race ended up being the closest since 2009, sparking discussions about Jeanty’s exceptional talents and contributions to the game.

Although Montgomery harbors a strong bias towards Jeanty, recognizing his outstanding character and work ethic, he remains objective about the competition. He commented, “You can’t take away from anything Travis Hunter accomplished, but Ash certainly proved himself and elevated our program to new heights. He worked through injuries and maintained a 3.0 GPA, displaying a commitment beyond the field.”

A Unique Talent with a Bright Future

As the NFL Draft approaches, Jeanty is generating significant interest from various teams. Montgomery expressed confidence in Jeanty’s prospects, emphasizing that the running back can thrive in any offensive system. He stated, “He understands how to execute all types of schemes and knows the ins and outs of the blocking necessary for each play. I hope he lands with a team that has a solid offensive line setup, as that will facilitate his success at the next level.”

As Jeanty prepares to transition to professional football, he leaves behind an undeniable legacy at Boise State. Montgomery is clear on the impact Jeanty made, stating, “He was a leader in our room and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats here. It’s not a matter of replacing his skills but building a strong unit around our young players inspired by his work ethic and talent.”

The bond formed between Montgomery and Jeanty extends beyond the football field, highlighting the joy and energy Jeanty brought to the team. Montgomery added, “He is such a fun-loving kid. I’ll miss his ability to lighten the mood while simultaneously locking in right before the snap during practice. He kept everyone motivated and engaged.”

The moment of truth arrives on Thursday, April 24, when the NFL Draft’s first round takes place in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The football world anticipates who will select Ashton Jeanty, a distinctive talent marked by both his accomplishments and character.