Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty doesn’t play in a power conference, but he is one of the most intriguing playmakers in college football heading into 2024.

The junior arrived at Boise State in 2021 and established himself as a serious threat right off the bat, rushing for 821 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry during his freshman campaign.

Then, last year, Jeanty broke out, racking up 1,347 yards and 14 scores on the ground, logging a robust 6.1 yards per attempt. He also improved vastly as a pass-catcher, hauling in 43 receptions for 569 yards while reaching the end zone five times.

As a result, some momentum as built toward Jeanty pushing for a Heisman Trophy award this coming season, but it seems unlikely given that he plays in the Mountain West.

That being said, Jeanty is still a very interesting NFL Draft prospect for 2025, and CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt sees some Emmitt Smith in the Boise State product.

How good can Ashton Jeanty be on the NFL level?

Hunt specifically said that Jeanty is built like Smith, and he also notes how versatile he is as both a rusher and a passer.

In a league where the primacy of running backs has dipped, being an all-purpose back will definitely take you to new heights in the modern NFL.

Jeanty seems to possess those qualities, and while he obviously has a long way to go to hit the NFL (let alone come near a Hall-of-Famer like Smith), the future does look bright for the youngster.

There are plenty of teams in need for an explosive, versatile halfback, so Jeanty should be in demand assuming he enters the draft next spring.

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