Scouting Profile: Ashton Jeanty - RB - Boise State
Sales Pitch: Explosive compact runner with elite production in college. True three down skillset with the burst and contact balance to be a tackle breaking machine at the next level.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA Top-25 for 2024*
*Red Numbers Indicate NCAA Bottom-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Ashton Jeanty is a former 4-Star recruit from the state of Texas. He was a three year contributor for Boise State, logging 800+ yards in each campaign but truly emerged as a household name in 2024 by rushing for over 2,500 yards and chasing Barry Sanders all-time rushing record. In the process he racked up a litany of awards, including a Heisman 2nd place finish, a Doak Walker and Maxwell Award as well as All-American honors.
Jeanty is a compact runner with elite contact balance and body control. He set the college football world on fire with his tackle breaking ability in 2024. A low center of gravity and exceptional flexibility allow him to bounce off multiple tacklers without losing his balance. Jeanty has a strong muscular frame that allows him to plow through arm tackles in the hole without losing steam He finishes runs with power and uses tremendous leg drive to push piles for extra yards. He displays a devastating stiff arm when he gets into the open field to fend off LB’s and DB’s. Jeanty has the burst to quickly attack the hole and get north-south as a runner. He is able to flip the switch to his top speed in the blink of an eye, making him a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Jeanty shows the vision and instincts to play in either a zone or gap scheme. He has quick feet that allow him to change lanes and shows an innate ability to find narrow cutback lanes. His stop-start ability allows him to tempo his runs and manipulate 2nd level defenders. He uses is movement skills to up blocks and get favorable angles. Jeanty was one of the best pass catching backs in football in 2023 but his production was not quite the same in 2024 as his rushing load ticked up. However, he displays natural hands out of the backfield and has the quickness to beat isolated LB’s 1-on-1. He is a solid pass protector who is more than willing to step up and deliver strikes to stonewall free runners. His IQ and processing skills as a blocker in the backfield are above average as well.
Jeanty is a back with very few weakness but one concern has been ball security. Over the past two years he has put the ball on the ground a total of 9 times, a number that will have to be cut down at the next level. He will also have to continue to improve as a 3rd down back to reach the ceiling required of a back who will be selected in the range he is projected.
Jeanty profiles as a 3-down back who is scheme versatile. His blend of toughness, burst and strength is rare for the position. He projects to be one of the rare first down picks in this day and age and will likely be regarded as one of the better backs in the NFL from the day he steps foot on the field.