Top NFL Draft Prospect Ashton Jeanty: A 'Special Talent' Who Dominated College Football

Ashton Jeanty, a top prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, has left a mark on college football that few can rival. The Boise State running back, at just 21, achieved a season for the ages: 2,601 rushing yards, 29 touchdowns, and an eye-popping seven yards per carry. For context, the only player with more rushing yards in a single season is the legendary Barry Sanders. Let that sink in.

Jeanty's running backs coach, James Montgomery, couldn't hold back his admiration. "Ash was ready to take over," Montgomery said, recounting how Jeanty stepped up as the primary back after teammate George Holani suffered an injury early in 2023. Jeanty still shared the spotlight with Holani that year, but his sophomore stats—1,347 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns—hinted at the fireworks to come.

By his junior season in 2024, Jeanty was in full beast mode. Montgomery knew something special was brewing during spring practices, describing a "lightbulb moment" when Jeanty’s movements on a duo play showcased his extraordinary instincts. From Football 101 to advanced play-reading, Jeanty’s mental and physical preparation was relentless. The man even trained in "dark mode," running summer drills with a weighted vest. That’s commitment on another level.

When the season kicked off, Jeanty didn’t disappoint. In Boise State’s opening game against Georgia Southern, he put up numbers straight out of a video game: 267 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 20 carries. It was the kind of performance that silences doubters and makes you wonder if he’s human.

Jeanty’s dominance powered Boise State to a 12-2 record, a Mountain West Conference title, and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Although the Broncos fell to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl, Jeanty’s role in elevating the program was undeniable.

Despite his historic season, Jeanty narrowly missed out on the Heisman Trophy to Colorado's Travis Hunter in one of the closest votes in years. Montgomery, understandably biased, refrained from diving into the Heisman debate but couldn’t help but gush about Jeanty’s work ethic, leadership, and ability to push past limits.

Comparisons to NFL greats abound, with Montgomery likening Jeanty’s style to Brian Westbrook and even LaDainian Tomlinson. But Jeanty is clearly carving his own path, blending agility, contact balance, and sheer determination into an electrifying package.

As Jeanty prepares for the NFL Draft, Montgomery is hopeful he lands with a team that has a solid offensive line. "Selfishly, I hope he goes to a really good O-line," Montgomery admitted. Given Jeanty’s versatility and understanding of pro-style offenses, he’s poised to thrive in any scheme.

Montgomery also reflected on the void Jeanty leaves behind at Boise State. "He’s going to go down as one of the all-time greats here," Montgomery said, emphasizing that Jeanty’s influence on younger players has set a standard for future Broncos.

Beyond his talent, Jeanty’s personality shines just as brightly. Montgomery shared how Jeanty would dance during practice—moments of sheer joy balanced by intense focus when the whistle blew. It’s this blend of charisma and discipline that makes him more than just an athlete.

Fans and teams alike will find out where this "special talent" lands in the NFL Draft on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Whoever snags Jeanty is getting more than a player—they’re getting a game-changer.