Boise State's next great running back?

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — While Boise State Football is a disappointing 0-2 to start the year, Broncos fans might be watching the next great running back emerge before their eyes.

Sophomore running back Ashton Jeanty has had a sensational start to the 2023 season. After George Holani went out with injury early against Washington, Jeanty took over the load and didn't hold back.

Through two games, Jeanty has two touchdowns and 365 all-purpose yards, the 3rd best mark in the country. Jeanty spoke on the mark, and credited a lot of his success to his early success.

"Its mean a lot but... it's not just me, you know. It's the O-line, it's the receivers, it's the tight ends making key blocks. Like I said on that touchdown pass against UCF, Billy came and made a great block and if he didn't make that block I probably wouldn't have scored," Jeanty said.

Coaches have been impressed with Jeanty's ability to carry the offense. Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan remarked on how involved Jeanty was against UCF.

"I wanna say we targeted him 30 times in that game," Hamdan said. "What he was able to do in the pass game, what he was able to do in the rush game was just, he's a very well balanced player. I think he catches it extremely well, and at times with him out in the backfield it's like playing with an extra guy."

After a solid freshman season, Jeanty said his furthered development is helping him to better understand the game.

"Last year, a lot of times I wasn't used to the game speed," Jeanty said. "I wasn't able to see certain reads, the defense bring pressure, so I just think the game speed, the game is slowing down for me this year."

Jeanty has been involved in all areas of the offense. He's bruised his way through the middle of the field, caught wheel routes and been involved aerially.

On one of Jeanty's shorter runs, the running back somehow made it a highlight play. Jeanty hurdled high above another player, with head coach Andy Avalos admitting it made him slightly nervous, with Jeanty crashing down after making contact mid-air. Avalos was praiseworthy however, noting that he appreciated seeing a player having so much fun on the field.

"It's awesome to just see a guy play the game and have fun and attack... the game is going to start to slow down for some of the other guys where they can play with that passion and cut it loose," Avalos said.

Jeanty admitted that he and the rest of the offense has to improve, particularly in the red zone, but even now, Boise State fans might be looking at the next NFL-bound Broncos running back.

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