On Monday, Boise State Broncos star Ashton Jeanty was named a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, a recognition that highlights his incredible season. Joining him in this elite group are standout players Travis Hunter, Dillon Gabriel, and Cam Ward. Jeanty’s nomination comes on the heels of his impressive performance in leading the Broncos to a 21-7 victory over the UNLV Rebels in the Mountain West Conference championship. This win not only secured the conference title but also propelled Boise State into the College Football Playoff for the first time in the program’s history.
Jeanty’s impressive season and historic milestones
Ashton Jeanty is not just a finalist for the Heisman Trophy; he is on the verge of breaking a monumental record. The talented running back is just 132 yards away from eclipsing Barry Sanders’ long-standing single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards, set during Sanders’ Heisman-winning campaign in 1988. This remarkable achievement would further solidify Jeanty’s place in college football history and showcase his extraordinary talent on the field.
Behind the scenes: A glimpse into Jeanty’s life
During a recent segment of “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” Jeanty shared a lighthearted moment about the extravagant thank-you dinner he hosted for his offensive line after the regular season. When asked about the bill, he chuckled, revealing, “It was up there. It was pretty much near me, $1,000. Hey, I’m good over here, though, you know, I got NIL. You know, they take care of me.” Jeanty’s mention of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics and how it has benefited student-athletes financially.
Looking ahead: Jeanty’s aspirations in the NFL
As Jeanty prepares for the next chapter in his football career, he is already thinking about how to make the most of his first NFL paycheck. “A house like a crib for me, one for my parents. Those are first, like two purchases easily. I would do that,” he stated, reflecting his values and desire to support his family. This sentiment resonates with many young athletes who dream of making it big while remembering their roots.
Making a case for the Heisman Trophy
During the podcast, Jeanty passionately articulated the challenges he faced throughout the season, especially when compared to his main rival for the Heisman, Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter. “First of all, all the Heisman finalists are great players. … For me, I mean you go week by week, you watch the film,” Jeanty explained. He emphasized that defenses were consistently focused on stopping him, stating, “By week 4, I wasn’t seeing anything less than an eight-man box. So that means the whole defense, every single week, is geared towards stopping me, and they still couldn’t.”
Jeanty’s determination and leadership
Jeanty’s determination and leadership have been pivotal in Boise State’s success this season. He expressed pride in leading the team to not only win the conference but also to make history by securing the school’s first-ever playoff appearance. “Win the conference, not only that but make history and bring Boise State to their first-ever playoff appearance. … that was the final checkbox. … I have put a lot of work in, and I have helped lead this team to the success that we have right now. … A big part of that was on me, like, since the beginning of the year,” Jeanty said, showcasing his commitment and hard work.
The significance of the Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy is more than just an award; it represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in college football. For players like Jeanty, being a finalist is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. It shines a spotlight on their contributions to their teams and the sport as a whole. As the Heisman ceremony approaches, the excitement surrounding this year’s finalists continues to build, with fans eager to see who will take home the coveted trophy.
As the college football season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Ashton Jeanty and his remarkable journey. With a chance to break records and potentially secure a Heisman Trophy, the stage is set for an unforgettable finale to his college career. Whether he achieves these milestones or not, Jeanty has already made a significant impact on the game and will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Boise State. The future looks bright for this talented athlete, and fans are eager to see where his journey will take him next.
