Name: Ashton Jeanty
Position: Running Back
College: Boise State
Height: 5-9
Weight: 215 lbs
High School: Lone Star
2024 Stats
- Rushing: 374 carries, 2,601 yards, 7.0 average, 29 touchdowns
- Receiving: 23 receptions, 138 yards, 6.0 average, 1 touchdown
Career Stats (Entering College Football Semi-Finals)
- Rushing: 750 carries, 4,769 yards, 6.4 average, 50 touchdowns
- Receiving: 80 receptions, 862 yards, 10.8 average, 6 touchdowns
PFF Metrics
- Offensive Grade: 94.8
- Rushing Grade: 96.6
- Receiving Grade: 54.4
- Pass Blocking Grade: 46.6
- Yards After Contact: 1,970
- Forced Missed Tackles: 151
- Runs of 10+ Yards: 63
- Runs of 15+ Yards: 26
- Breakaway Rate: 53%
- Receiving Stats: 23 of 33 passes caught (70%), 3 drops
Background
Ashton Jeanty is one of the most highly regarded recruits in Boise State history. Rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports and ranked as the 29th-best running back in his class, Jeanty turned down several Power Five offers to sign with the Broncos.
Jeanty made an immediate impact, leading Mountain West running backs with 5.26 yards per carry as a freshman and finishing the season with 821 rushing yards. Pro Football Focus graded him as the highest-rated true freshman running back that year with a stellar 89.5 grade.
In 2023, Jeanty emerged as a star, tallying 1,347 rushing yards and adding 569 receiving yards on 43 receptions. His 159.67 yards from scrimmage per game led all running backs, earning him Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors.
Jeanty outdid himself in 2024, leading the nation in rushing yards (2,601) and breaking multiple PFF records, including a rushing grade of 97.8, 1,882 yards after contact, and 135 forced missed tackles. These performances earned him the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award.
Strengths
Elite Production: Jeanty led the nation in rushing yards by 890 yards and scored 29 rushing touchdowns in 2024. Over his career, he has demonstrated versatility, leading all running backs with 569 receiving yards in 2023, showcasing his ability to contribute in the passing game.
Contact Balance: Jeanty's ability to break tackles is unmatched, as evidenced by his 151 forced missed tackles in 2024—49 more than any other player. His strong lower body and balance make him reminiscent of Emmitt Smith.
ARE YOU SERIOUS ASHTON JEANTY⁉️
— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) November 24, 2023
2⃣ takes the screen pass 75 yards for the score!
📺 @FS1#Compete | #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/SgxTZVyREE
Vision and Patience: Jeanty excels at finding running lanes and reading blocks. His patience allows plays to develop, and his vision in open space helps him avoid defenders effectively.
Weaknesses
Pass Blocking: Jeanty's pass-blocking struggles are notable, with a poor PFF grade of 46.6. He allowed nine pressures in 2024 and needs to work on timing his punches and avoiding overextension. However, his size and determination provide room for growth.
Ball Security: Fumbling has been an issue, with nine fumbles over the past two seasons, including two in his final game against Penn State. This is an area of concern for NFL scouts.
Home Run Speed: While Jeanty is an effective runner, he lacks elite top-end speed. He recorded 26 runs of 15+ yards this season but doesn’t possess the breakaway explosiveness of players like Jahmyr Gibbs.
2025 NFL Draft Projection
Ashton Jeanty is widely regarded as the top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. His exceptional production, contact balance, and versatility as a runner and receiver make him a strong candidate for selection in the top 15 picks.
Best Fit
Jeanty has expressed interest in playing for the Dallas Cowboys, a team with a strong draft position and a potential need at running back. However, the Denver Broncos might be an even better fit given Sean Payton’s emphasis on involving running backs in the passing game. Regardless, Jeanty is likely to be off the board early in the draft.