Joel Klatt is a big fan of Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back from Boise State. However, even Klatt has acknowledged some concerns regarding Jeanty’s candidacy for the prestigious Heisman Trophy this season. As the awards season heats up, the conversation surrounding Jeanty’s performance has become a hot topic among college football enthusiasts.
Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman Trophy Race
In a thrilling twist during the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting, Jeanty finished a close second to Colorado’s two-way sensation Travis Hunter. The final tally saw Hunter edge out Jeanty with 2,231 total points to Jeanty’s 2,017, including a significant lead in first-place votes (552 to 309). Meanwhile, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Miami quarterback Cam Ward trailed far behind, finishing third and fourth with 516 and 229 points, respectively.
Jeanty and the Barry Sanders Comparison
While the Heisman race was fierce, Jeanty’s remarkable season has sparked comparisons to Barry Sanders’ legendary 1988 campaign. Sanders set the NCAA single-season rushing record with an astounding 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in just 11 games. Although Jeanty has been impressive with his NCAA-best 2,497 rushing yards through 13 games, he still finds himself 353 yards shy of Sanders’ record when considering bowl game statistics, which were not counted at the time.
Klatt weighed in on this comparison, stating, “I think that his production being compared to Barry Sanders was a bit of a stretch. Barry did it in 11 games, folks. To say, oh he’s about to break Barry’s mark … no, no he’s not.” Klatt’s perspective highlights the challenge of measuring Jeanty’s achievements against the backdrop of Sanders’ historic performance.
Klatt’s Take on Jeanty’s Performance
Despite the comparisons, Klatt is enthusiastic about Jeanty’s talent. “(Jeanty is) phenomenal. He’s a remarkable player. I love watching Ashton Jeanty play. He is, in a lot of ways, everything you want in a ‘back — everything,” Klatt expressed on his podcast, The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast. However, he also pointed out potential limitations in Jeanty’s Heisman resume, particularly regarding the level of competition in the Mountain West Conference.
“You wonder to yourself at times, ‘well are there other guys that could’ve done that? What could (Cam) Skattebo have done if he had played a Mountain West schedule?’” Klatt pondered. This raises an interesting question: does the level of competition diminish the significance of Jeanty’s achievements? While Klatt doesn’t believe it’s a knock against Jeanty, he acknowledges that the reality of college football’s varying levels can influence perceptions.
Voter Reception and Future Prospects
Jeanty’s impressive statistics certainly caught the attention of Heisman voters. He appeared on 882 of the 928 ballots sent out, a testament to his outstanding performance this season. In contrast, Hunter was listed on 866 ballots, indicating that Jeanty’s impact was widely recognized, even if he fell short of the trophy. Klatt placed Jeanty at No. 2 on his own Heisman ballot, an unprecedented move for a Group of Five player, reflecting the respect Jeanty has earned.
“That’s why I put him at No. 2. In a lot of ways, that was unprecedented for me to put a Group of Five player at No. 2 on my Heisman ballot. I thought that was an acknowledgment of how great his season was,” Klatt noted. This recognition not only highlights Jeanty’s skill but also suggests a bright future ahead for the talented running back.
The Future of College Football
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, players like Ashton Jeanty are proving that talent can shine through, regardless of conference affiliation. With his impressive performance this season, Jeanty has positioned himself as a player to watch in the coming years. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will build on this success and what records he might chase next.
In a sport filled with passion, rivalry, and excitement, Jeanty’s journey serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that exists across the nation. Whether he breaks records or not, his impact on the field is undeniable, and his story is one that college football fans will continue to follow with great interest. As the Heisman race wraps up, one thing is clear: the future is bright for Ashton Jeanty and the world of college football.
