Ashton Jeanty’s name should be familiar to college football fans, but as he plays for Group of Five-level Boise State, he may not be on everyone’s radar.
After what he did to Georgia Southern in Week 1, he will be.
Ashton Jeanty Gunning for Heisman Trophy in Week 1
In a shootout with Georgia Southern, Boise State let Jeanty carry them to a 56-45 victory, as he generated 267 yards on 20 carries and scored a program-record six TDs.
We often talk about players single-handedly winning games, but few have done so the way Jeanty did in Week 1.
For those who watched the Mountain West last season, you saw the Boise State back bowl over opponents to the tune of 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns on 220 carries. But he didn’t stop there, adding another 43 receptions, 569 yards, and five scores as a receiver. Yet, as impressive as those box-score numbers are, Jeanty’s impact was even greater:
- Only FBS player with multiple rushing and receiving TDs of 50+ yards in 2023
- First FBS player since 2019 to register 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season
- 159.67 yards from scrimmage per game (1st MWC, 1st NCAA)
- 1,916 all-purpose yards (1st MWC, 3rd NCAA)
- 19 total touchdowns (2nd MWC, 5th NCAA)
- 96 first downs (1st MWC, 1st NCAA)
- 106 missed tackles forced (1st MWC, 1st NCAA)
As you’d expect, the accolades rolled in, including first-team All-Mountain West, Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and consensus All-American recognition. But Jeanty has his sights set higher in 2024.
When speaking at Mountain West Media Days earlier this summer, Jeanty said reaching 2,000 rushing yards was a goal, and after seeing what he did to the Eagles in the season opener, he’ll likely achieve it.
“I want to be the next best running back to come through here. And I think that’s one thing that will stamp me — certify me — as a legendary running back to come through Boise State.”
But Jeanty isn’t just chasing those before him; he’s working to be the best in the nation.
“There are a lot of great running backs in college football right now. That, to me, is more motivation. I feel like I’m the underdog. I’ll prove I’m one of the best, if not the best.”
If Jeanty is able to maintain his level of destruction, he prove he’s one of the best players in the country and be in the running for the Heisman Trophy. He entered the season with +7500 odds of winning the prestigious award, but that won’t be the case entering Week 2.
Jeanty understands the team comes first and isn’t worried about winning awards, even the Heisman.
“It’s not the most important thing. With the team’s success, things like that come. If our team doesn’t handle business and win the games that we need to win, then all those awards and accolades won’t even come. I would love to win that award, but it’s not the most important thing for me.”
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Jeanty might not be chasing the Heisman, but if he keeps dominating, he won’t have to.
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