Ashton Jeanty, widely regarded as the generational running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, recently shared where he learned the best positional lessons.
He draws inspiration from his NFL role models—four in particular—and works to emulate their top skills, adding them to his own arsenal. This approach is a key ingredient in the success behind his standout 2024 season at Boise State.
The NFL Legends Ashton Jeanty Studies for Inspiration
The former Boise State star running back revealed he models himself after the best running back in NFL history, Barry Sanders. Jeanty was elated when he heard fans comparing him to his NFL inspiration, especially since he almost broke Sanders’ collegiate record for most rushing yards in FBS in 2024.
Jeanty spoke highly of Sanders in the teaser released from ESPN’s upcoming release Hey Rookie. “Getting all these rushing yards a game and making defenses look silly week after week. It was great to see people comparing me to him, himself, cheering me on. The thing about Barry is just he’s such a special player. But they hype the size; there are little things in his game, such as breaking tackles and making guys miss having those big runs. I get the comparison.”
.@AshtonJeanty2 breaks down the four running backs he models his game after 💯#HeyRookie premieres tonight at 8:30pm ET on ESPN pic.twitter.com/jzsCQ4QPR7
— NFL (@NFL)
Jeanty racked up 2,601 rushing yards in 2024, the second-most in FBS history, trailing only Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. In 1988, Sanders set the single-season rushing record with 2,628 yards while playing for Oklahoma State. The only notable difference is that Jeanty needed 14 games to reach his total, while Sanders accomplished it in just 11.
In addition to that, Jeanty tied with LaDainian Tomlinson for the most 70+ yard rushing touchdowns (5) in a single season. He also set a new record with 13 straight games over 125 rushing yards, the longest streak since at least 1996.
Beyond Sanders, Jeanty hones his running style, route running, and stiff arm by studying the techniques of other legendary NFL running backs, focusing on those who perfected each specific skill.
“Marshawn Lynch and his running style and being physical. Christian McCaffrey and his receiving game and running routes. Derrick Henry, I’m not as big, but that stiff arm, I had to add that to my bag as well. It’s hard to compare yourself to the guys who were so exceptional, but there are just so many tools in my bag,” Jeanty further added.
All of these running backs left a significant mark on the NFL. It’s already remarkable that Jeanty is drawing comparisons to them so soon after college.
Given this, it’s only fitting that Jeanty is generating excitement for the running back class in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially after the position has been largely overlooked in the early rounds of recent drafts.