The Las Vegas Raiders added an instant playmaker in running back Ashton Jeanty, who is expected to quickly transform the run game. His stance has been a popular topic of conversation, as one of the most unique in the game.
Ashton Jeanty’s Spotted With a Change in Stance
In 2024, the Boise State product had one of the most impressive seasons running the football in college football history, and he did so with his very own stance.
Jeanty posted 2,287 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024, leading the nation in both categories. Only Barry Sanders has ever had a more productive year at the college level, and the rookie running back was an extremely popular talent in the 2025 NFL draft as a result.
The Raiders’ rookie managed to have a historic year with a rather unorthodox stance in the backfield. As Jeanty’s popularity grew, so did the way he stood in the backfield before the snap.
At Boise State, he would stand upright with his hands by his side, in what was dubbed a “scary” stance.
Previously, he seemed very reluctant to change his stance and said he would push back on coaches who wanted him to adjust. On the “Up & Adams Show,” Jeanty had said his previous coaches were fine with his stance as long as he was productive and made plays. Clearly, he had no problem doing that.
Kay Adams said she’s heard he was bringing the scary stance to the NFL, and wanted to know if anything had changed. She asked what would happen if Pete Carroll wanted him to change it:
“I would say, am I still being efficient? Am I still making plays? And that’s literally that.”
Ashton Jeanty's "scary stance" is here to stay! 🔥😂@heykayadams | @AshtonJeanty2 pic.twitter.com/SfHmlXEdAY
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow)
However, a clip is now circulating of Jeanty taking a snap at practice, in his new Raiders helmet. In the short clip, he’s seen adopting a more traditional running back stance.
New team. New stance. (via @JesseNews3LV) pic.twitter.com/wRVUxAMGVv
— NFL (@NFL) May 16, 2025
Fans are now questioning whether he’s going to shift his stance in the NFL, potentially being coached out of the scary stance as a pro.
Jeanty’s Comparison to Marshawn Lynch With Pete Carroll
Pete Carroll won a Super Bowl with Marshawn Lynch in the backfield, and he very nearly won two. He was never afraid of leaning into the workhorse running back, and Jeanty has shown he’s capable of the workload in college.
In 2024, Jeanty managed 313 carries in a sensational season. His running style and physicality have drawn comparisons to Lynch, who was always able to muscle his way through contact to gain additional yardage.
Both have proven to be remarkably productive in the red zone, and Carroll spoke of the comparison between the two after Jeanty was drafted in late April.
The Raiders are now expected to go from one of the worst teams running the football to one of the best in the NFL. Jeanty’s stance won’t matter if he’s able to replicate his college form in the pros.
