While quarterbacks get most of the spotlight, Las Vegas Raiders running back and former Boise State star Ashton Jeanty has garnered a lot of attention dating back to his record-breaking days in college.
Last season alone, Jeanty, the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had the second-most rushing yards (2,601) in a single season all-time, only trailing Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders’ 2,628 yards at Oklahoma State in 1988. The Heisman Trophy runner-up also set numerous records at Boise State, including the most career rushing yards (4,769) in school history.
That type of upside and explosiveness is why ESPN football broadcaster and former NFL safety and executive Louis Riddick says Jeanty is his favorite rookie entering the 2025 season.
“It’s Ashton Jeanty for sure. … This is the dude that can deliver for you from the backfield,” Riddick said during a Wednesday appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “That’s what teams are looking for now, these home-run hitters. He’s with the perfect head coach in Pete Carroll, the perfect offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly and they’re gonna love this dude in Vegas. I think Ashton can push 1,600, 1,800 yards this year.”
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