Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman Trophy Pursuit: did Boise State Prioritize Rushing Yards?
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty narrowly missed out on the Heisman Trophy in December, finishing as runner-up to Travis Hunter, and prompting debate over Boise State’s strategy to boost his chances. Jeanty, after a historic season, admitted, “I should’ve walked away with the award.”
Jeanty’s Historic Season Falls Short of Heisman Glory
Jeanty amassed 2,497 rushing yards and needed only 132 more in the College Football Playoff to surpass Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards set in 1988. Despite Sanders himself rooting for Jeanty, the Boise State star fell short, even though he did collect the most points by a runner-up and lost via the narrowest margin as 2009.
Analyst Suggests Boise State Focused on Rushing Stats
Despite also winning the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and unanimous All-American honors, some question whether Boise State’s efforts to secure the Heisman for Jeanty influenced their play calling. analyst Joel Klatt suggested that Boise State may have intentionally prioritized rushing attempts to help Jeanty surpass Sanders’ yardage mark.
“I think lazily, well, he didn’t have a lot of catches last year. But, if you actually just kind of peek behind the curtain of what last year was, for Jeanty and more specifically for Boise State, they were very intently trying to win him the Heisman Trophy,” klatt stated on CFB ON FOX on YouTube.
Klatt added, ”The only way that he was going to have a chance to win the Heisman Trophy column, is if he not, only tested but possibly beat Barry Sanders’ yardage Mark.you know, mid-2000 2,500 yards.”
Boise State Denies Prioritizing Rushing Attempts
Klatt acknowledged that Boise State has denied intentionally focusing on rushing attempts. He suggested the team funneled touches to Jeanty via handoffs to maximize his rushing yardage.
“Well, you’re not going to waste touches on catches if you’re trying to get just rushing yards. So they gave it to him 28 times. But it was via handoffs, so that yardage would be rushing yardage. Now I firmly believe that. They have denied it. And I’ve talked to some of the coaches about this, but I firmly believe that they targeted 28-29 touches,” Klatt said.
Passing Game Opportunities Limited for Jeanty
Jeanty’s opportunities in the passing game were limited; he caught 23 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.This contrasted with his 2022 season where he had 43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns.
Heisman Voting disparity
Ultimately,Travis Hunter received 552 first-place votes (2,231 total points) compared to Jeanty’s 309 first-place votes (2,017 points).
Boise state’s Ashton Jeanty: A Potential First-Round Pick for the Dallas Cowboys?
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is generating meaningful buzz as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, with some analysts predicting he could land with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his exceptional balance, vision, and ability to power through contact, Jeanty’s unique skill set makes him a standout prospect.
Jeanty’s Impressive College Stats Highlight NFL potential
Despite his stature of 5’9″ and 215 pounds, Jeanty possesses remarkable power and speed, leading to prolific production. He has accumulated 1,970 yards rushing after contact, exceeding the total rushing yards of many entire teams. His performance dwarfs that of other notable running back duos, further solidifying his position as an exceptional player who is difficult to bring down.
Cowboys Eyeing Local Talent in NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys, who have already added ten new players to their roster, are under scrutiny to make the right choice with their first-round pick. Stephen Jones, a Cowboys executive, highlighted the advantage of having access to talented football players in North Texas. While Jones didn’t mention Jeanty by name, the proximity of Jeanty’s high school to the Cowboys’ headquarters suggests a strong interest.
Could Jeanty Be the Cowboys’ Next Star Running Back?
Jeanty’s dominance in college,notably his ability to break tackles,sets him apart from other running backs. With the Jones family’s affinity for local talent, Jeanty could be the perfect fit for the cowboys.The team has a history of success with local players, and Jeanty’s exceptional skills and proximity make him an appealing option for Dallas in the upcoming draft.
Dak Prescott’s Future with Dallas Cowboys Solid Amidst Trade Rumors
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott appears poised to remain with the team, despite speculation linking him to the Cleveland Browns. NFL insider reports and Prescott’s contract details suggest a strong commitment between him and the Cowboys.
No Trade Clause grants Prescott Control
Prescott’s contract includes a no-trade clause, effectively giving him the power to decide whether or not he’s traded.This significantly diminishes the likelihood of him joining another team without his consent.
Massive Contract Demonstrates commitment
prescott’s four-year, $240 million contract signals the Cowboys’ investment in him. The contract, one of the richest in NFL history, reflects Prescott’s value to the franchise.
Cowboys’ Offseason Moves Support Prescott
The cowboys’ offseason acquisitions further indicate their support for Prescott. Jerry Jones remains a staunch supporter. The addition of running back Ashton Jeanty is expected to complement Prescott’s strengths, improving the passing game and keeping the defense rested.
Prescott Overcomes Injury, Shines in Offseason
Following surgery in 2024 to repair a partial hamstring avulsion, Prescott has impressed in offseason training. His accomplished rehabilitation and renewed form suggest a strong upcoming season.
Jeanty’s Impact and Jones’ gamble
The addition of Jeanty will open new possibilities for Prescott by helping spread the field. The Cowboys are banking of Jeanty being an important piece for the team. Time will tell if the Cowboys’ efforts will pay off.
Q: How might Ashton Jeanty’s skillset specifically benefit Dak prescott and the Cowboys’ offense?
Ashton Jeanty: Frequently Asked Questions
Q&A
Q: Why did Ashton Jeanty not win the Heisman Trophy?
A: Despite a remarkable season, Jeanty came in second, losing to Travis Hunter. Some analysts suggest Boise State may have prioritized rushing attempts to boost his yardage, potentially limiting his involvement in the passing game, which may have affected voting.
Q: What were Jeanty’s stats in the 2023 season?
A: Jeanty had 2,497 rushing yards and was a unanimous All-American.
Q: What is the current status of Jeanty’s potential NFL future?
A: Jeanty is considered a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft, and some analysts believe he could be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.
Q: What makes Jeanty a standout prospect?
A: Jeanty’s exceptional balance, vision, and ability to power through contact, along wiht remarkable power and speed for his size, make him a standout prospect.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ interest in Jeanty?
A: The Cowboys have shown interest in local talent and are considering Jeanty. His proximity to the Cowboys’ headquarters suggests a strong interest, especially with their need for a running back.
Q: what is Dak Prescott’s contract situation with the Cowboys?
A: Prescott has a no-trade clause and a four-year, $240 million contract, signaling a strong commitment to the Cowboys.
Q: How will Jeanty impact Dak Prescott’s game?
A: Jeanty’s addition is expected to complement Prescott’s strengths, improve the passing game, and keep the defense rested.
Q: What happened to Barry Sanders’ record?
A: Jeanty needed only 132 more rushing yards to surpass barry Sanders’ record. Sanders himself rooted for Jeanty.
Q: What is the Maxwell and Doak Walker Award?
A: The Maxwell Award is given to the outstanding player in college football, while the Doak Walker Award is given to the nation’s top running back.
Q: Where does Jeanty stand compared to other running backs?
A: Jeanty has accumulated 1,970 yards rushing after contact, exceeding the total rushing yards of many entire teams, solidifying his position as an exceptional player who is challenging to bring down.
Trivia: Jeanty played his high school football in North Texas, near the Cowboys’ headquarters.
Actionable Advice: Watch out for Ashton jeanty as he begins his NFL career, as he has the potential to become a star!
With the Cowboys’ interest in Jeanty and Prescott’s secure status, the team is poised for an exciting season.
