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Ashton Jeanty Interview: 'They Don’t Really Want To Tackle Me'Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Interviews

Ashton Jeanty Interview: 'They Don’t Really Want To Tackle Me'

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty made history on Saturday by rushing for 267 yards and six touchdowns in a thrilling Week 1 victory over Georgia State. About 24 hours before that legendary performance, Jeanty joined The Draft Network for an exclusive conversation.

Jeanty discussed taking massive steps forward as a versatile playmaker, his favorite concepts to execute in Boise State’s playbook, running routes in the passing game, having the advantage over defensive backs in the open field, and so much more.

JM: You took a massive step forward in 2023, rushing for a career-high 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns. What changed for you this past season?

Ashton Jeanty: I definitely elevated my football IQ to another level. I learned how to better prepare for an upcoming season. I already had a bunch of amazing teammates, but I think we all leveled up as an overall group. We got better at every single position on the roster, especially on offense.

The defense got better as well. They did a better job getting us the ball back. As a collective, Boise State was a better program in 2023, and it’s going to improve in 2024 as well. Our success as a team is helping me have more personal success.

JM: You also averaged a personal-best 6.1 yards per carry last season. Everything was really clicking on offense, just like you said. Did you feel like you were in a zone every time you touched the ball?

Ashton Jeanty: Yeah, the more and the more I got the ball, the more comfortable I got against the defense I was up against. I felt like I was in Madden or in NCAA when a player catches fire (laughs). I definitely got into a good flow throughout the season.

JM: That’s hilarious (laughs). I think the most exciting aspect of your game is your pass-catching ability. You caught 43 balls last year for 569 yards and five TDs. How important is that in today's game?

Ashton Jeanty: It’s so important, especially because that’s how the game’s been trending for a little while now. Today’s game calls for running backs to be dangerous pass-catchers. It helps the offense out so much when the running back can catch passes out of the backfield because it makes us more dynamic and less predictable. I can line up at receiver or in the slot and make plays in the passing game, especially in open space.

JM: What’s your favorite route to run? Do you prefer to line up in the backfield, or in the slot?

Ashton Jeanty: I love running a choice route out of the backfield. That gives me the option to break it outside or make it an in-breaker. I like getting that linebacker in coverage, or a safety. That’s money every time (laughs). I’ll pick that scenario every time.

If I break that choice route inside, I can catch it right up the middle and go score.

JM: This is a big season for you and expectations are high. Are you trying to be more of a vocal leader this year now that George Holani is no longer in the room with you?

Ashton Jeanty: Yeah, I definitely am. I think that’s just a testament to how special the Boise State program is. We’ve always had great leadership in our room. I was able to learn a lot from George Holani while he was here.

Holani taught me how to appropriately lead the running back room. Not only that, he taught me how to lead the entire team. That was definitely a huge focus of mine all offseason long. As one of the best players on the team, I think it’s important for me to showcase leadership qualities as well.

JM: You have a dense frame with a low center of gravity advantage. Do you feel like that gives you the upper hand on DBs when you're meeting them head-on in the open field? 

Ashton Jeanty: It definitely gives me an advantage. They say the lowest man wins in football, and I’m always the lowest. It’s a lot easier for me to get low compared to those taller guys (laughs).

Defensive backs usually don’t have very big frames and they’re usually a little taller. When they see somebody like me, a little ole bowling ball coming at them, they don’t really want to tackle me (laughs).

JM: There’s no doubt about that (laughs). You've executed both zone and gap concepts at Boise State. You guys mix it up on offense. Which is your preference? Which scheme feels most natural to you?

Ashton Jeanty: I’d probably say the gap scheme. I love running downhill. It’s easier to get the hang of for sure. As I’ve become increasingly familiar with all concepts and schemes, I’ve grown to develop a newfound appreciation for the zone scheme as well.

I find that zone scheme is very helpful to everybody on offense. We started having more success with the play-action passing game when we began running more zone.

JM: On that note, what's your favorite play in the Boise State playbook and why?

Ashton Jeanty: That’s a tough question. I’d say we’d be in 13 personnel and we’re running ”POUND.” That’s usually our 4th-and-1 play. It’s a short-distance scenario. I feel like that play exudes the mentality of this program. That’s our mentality on the offensive side of the ball. 

JM: You’re going with a heavy package with that 13 personnel.

Ashton Jeanty: Yes sir, let’s run it right up the middle. We’re going to line up and tell you exactly what we’re doing. We’re going to snap the ball and still beat you. We almost feel unstoppable on that play.

JM: I love that. What's the best game you've played in a Boise State jersey to date and why?

Ashton Jeanty: I’d probably say the Air Force game. That was our last regular-season game last year. I feel like I really displayed my versatility in that game. I had 118 yards receiving and 107 rushing yards.

JM: That was a great game for you. Throughout this entire conversation, I can tell how important this program is to you.

Ashton Jeanty: Representing this program means everything. This place has done a lot of great things for me beyond football. It’s changed my life in so many positive ways. They’ve helped me grow into the man I’ve become today. 

We have a special brotherhood around here. Everybody talks about it, but it’s a real thing here. It’s special. It’s not like this everywhere. It’s truly a special place to be, whether you’re a football player or a regular student. 

It’s just a special place, man.

JM: We've appreciated your time today.  This conversation has highlighted why you’re one of the best running backs in all of college football. What are Ashton Jeanty’s goals for 2024?

Ashton Jeanty: Most importantly, I’m looking forward to spending this time with my teammates. I’m going to grow closer with them and make a lot of special memories this season. 

We’re going to handle business on the field this year. The goal is to go undefeated. We want to make history by winning championships this season.

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