Ashton Jeanty: The Battering Ram with a Heart of Gold
A Legacy Born from Humility and Hard Work
Ashton Jeanty was into basketball more than football as a kid. But before he grew up to be a 5-foot-9 battering ram in cleats, his favorite athlete was LeBron James. Jeanty, who bounced around the globe as the son of a Naval officer, spent a chunk of his childhood in Florida when James was on the Miami Heat.
"Seeing (LeBron) beat all the odds," said Jeanty, "I feel like I’ve been doing that same thing in my career."
The Making of a Legend
Jeanty didn’t win the Heisman Trophy, finishing second to Colorado’s Travis Hunter. But he did collect the most points by a Heisman runner-up and forced the narrowest margin of defeat since 2009. He also took home the Maxwell Award (player of the year), Doak Walker Award (best running back) and unanimous All-American honors. And Jeanty has another major milestone in his sights.
He enters the College Football Playoff at 2,497 rushing yards this season, just 131 yards shy of college football’s official single-season record, set by Oklahoma State’s Barry Sanders in 1988. Considering Jeanty has averaged 192.1 rushing yards per game this season, there’s at least a decent chance he rewrites that record in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff against Penn State on December 31.
A Record-Breaking Season
But Jeanty is more than just a Heisman runner-up and future first-round NFL running back who is on the verge of a record-breaking statistical accomplishment. At a Boise State program with a reputation for giant slaying and a rich history of running backs, he has managed to stand above the rest.
"Ashton Jeanty is phenomenal for college football, and he’s going to be phenomenal for the NFL," said Boise State coach Spencer Danielson. "Not only from his play on the field but also the culture he brings with him."
A Legacy That Will Last
There is some nuance to Sanders’ record. He rushed for 2,628 yards in only 11 games on his way to the Heisman in 1988; Jeanty has already played 13 games. And Sanders’ unofficial record is 2,850 yards if you add in the 222 yards he racked up in the Holiday Bowl, before bowl game stats were officially counted.
But Jeanty is more focused on the impact he will leave behind. He has established the Ashton Jeanty Endowed Scholarship for Football, raising over $180,000 toward its $200,000 goal, which will support future Boise State athletes.
Conclusion
Ashton Jeanty is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader on and off the field. His dedication, hard work, and humility have earned him a place in the hearts of everyone at Boise State. As he enters the College Football Playoff, Jeanty has the chance to cement his legacy and set a new standard for running backs. But more importantly, he has already left an indelible mark on the program and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ashton Jeanty’s current rushing yardage?
A: Jeanty has 2,497 rushing yards this season.
Q: What is the current record for single-season rushing yards in college football?
A: The official record is 2,628 yards, set by Barry Sanders in 1988. Jeanty is 131 yards shy of breaking this record.
Q: What is the significance of Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman finish?
A: Jeanty finished second in the Heisman voting, collecting the most points by a Heisman runner-up and forcing the narrowest margin of defeat since 2009.
Q: What is the Ashton Jeanty Endowed Scholarship for Football?
A: The scholarship was established by Jeanty to support future Boise State athletes, with a goal of raising $200,000.