Ashton Jeanty, a promising running back and a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, is capturing the attention of general managers across the league. The former 5-star recruit has blossomed into one of the most dominant players in the game. Both ESPN’s Jeff Legwold and most scouting reports have him as the No. 3 overall prospect. With the draft now just days away, Jeanty opened up about his journey in an emotional letter. He did this directly calling out the NFL general managers in The Players’ Tribune.
Jeanty’s experience growing up in a military family was an enormous factor in fortifying the discipline and grit that would prove invaluable for his success. Being constantly on the move forced him to develop a flexible approach and varied outlook. In hindsight, a year away from football should have been the right time for him to spend in Italy. During this experience, Will dove deep into a new culture, expanding his perspective on social issues across the globe.
Yet even in the midst of those difficulties, Jeanty’s love for the game never wavered. He stressed that he was willing to play any position on the field required by his coaches. He was even prepared to put off his transition to running back until his senior year in high school. That kind of commitment, combined with work ethic and talent, has had a strong impact on his success at Boise State University.
In 2024, Jeanty enjoyed a record-breaking campaign, rushing for 2,601 yards—2nd most in NCAA history for a single season. Only Barry Sanders has a better record than this with 2,628 yards in 1998. Jeanty had a staggering 1,733 yards after contact. This play is the perfect example of his elite talent to avoid contact and power through tacklers. He tracked down 12 rushes of 50+ yards, 10 of which ended in scores.
His impressive statistics have not gone unnoticed. After his tremendous performance, people are now debating what type of impact he could have at the professional level. His philosophy on football is straightforward: he believes that success comes from being unyielding on the field. He stated, “If you pick me, it’s simple: I’m coming to your franchise to do what Saquon [Barkley] and the Eagles just did. I’m coming to win, big, soon.”
Jeanty’s confidence is deeper than just talk. He has truly mastered the killer instinct that NFL teams are always looking for in their players. “It’s TACKLE football… you know what I’m saying? I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle,” he remarked, emphasizing his capability to evade defenders and make game-changing plays.
As we get closer to the draft, the buzz on Jeanty only gets louder. His combination of speed, agility, and strength will make him an attractive option for teams hoping to add some firepower to their backfield. With many franchises seeking a dynamic running back who can contribute immediately, Jeanty’s profile aligns perfectly with those needs.
Leave a Reply