Ashton Jeanty nearly won the Heisman Trophy in 2024 after putting up incredible numbers in his final season with the Boise State Broncos.
Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards, nearly eclipsing Barry Sanders’ single-season record of 2,628 yards for the former Oklahoma State star. He also had 29 rushing touchdowns. The former Broncos running back totaled 4,769 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in 40 career games.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty after the Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on December 31, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
He accomplished this feat in the midst of the name, image and likeness era of college athletics. The better a college athlete plays on the field, the more money they might have available through NIL deals. Jeanty’s NIL valuation was estimated at $1.6 million, according to On3 Sports.
Jeanty had lousy contracts with SAXX underwear and the Boise Hawks minor league baseball team. But he made it clear to anyone coming out of high school and expecting to get paid that they should really focus on their craft on the field rather than the money that comes with it.
“No. 1, don’t chase the bag,” he told PK Press Club Digital when asked if he had any advice for high school athletes jumping into the college game. “Pursue your goals and dreams. Everyone seems to stray from them. I dreamed of being an NFL player three years ago, one of the best running backs. And I’m here because I didn’t chase I saw a lot of guys making more money than me and I knew they weren’t better than me, but I knew if I kept working I would get there. where I want to be.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty takes off, Nov. 23, 2024, in Laramie, Wyoming. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL STAR ASHTON JEANTY TALKS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF DEION SANDERS COACHING COWBOYS
“You have to trust the process because you can’t expect all that. No entitlement. You have to earn it. That’s the problem these days. You might have done something in high school, but when you get to college, it doesn’t It doesn’t mean anything, no matter how many stars you got – none of that I saw five stars that were really bad, and vice. versa. ethics and staying focused on the goal.
Jeanty said NIL in college football is kind of the “wild west,” so he’s had to adopt a professional mindset while navigating the murky waters.
“I think my whole approach was just to be a pro at it,” he added. “Obviously at the next level I’ll get paid, but I’m not looking for the biggest salary. Honestly, I need a little something, you know what I’m saying? My morals and my values – those are no . 1. Wherever I can best align with that, that’s where I’ll be.”
Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty of Boise State speaks during a college football press briefing, Dec. 13, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
Jeanty declared for the NFL draft earlier this month. He should be one of the first running backs off the board.
