Boise State HC Spencer Danielson gives his verdict on Ashton Jeanty vs Travis Hunter Heisman debate with bold claim

Ashton Jeanty has taken the college football world by storm in the 2024 season. The Boise State running back has been highly impressive this season, putting out a series of performances that has elevated him into the Heisman Trophy conversation despite not playing in one of the Power Four conferences.

Boise State coach Spencer Danielson made an appearance on the “PFF College Football Show” on Thursday and gave his verdict on the Heisman Trophy race. Jeanty is currently in a tight race with Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter and a few others for the coveted honor. (Start at 5:45)

"Ashton Jeanty is the best football player in the country,” Danielson said. “...I tell people all the time, just watch the film … Watch what he does when he's not getting the ball and he's one of our best pass protectors. He'll come up to the line of scrimmage and stone any linebacker that's blitzing.”

“That's my pitch, watch the film. And I promise you if you truly watch the film, you'll put him as the Heisman, I believe that. Watch the film, and don't let anybody else tell you what to think.”

Spencer Danielson heaps praise on Ashton Jeanty as a person

Speaking further, in his appearance on the “PFF College Football Show,” Spencer Danielson praised Ashton Jeanty for the kind of player he is on the field. The Boise State coach also commended the personality of the running back outside football. (Start at 0:45)

“Ashton Jeanty is a generational talent,” Danielson wrote. “He impacts me and our team so much every single day. Without even getting into the football part of it, Ashton Jeanty is a guy that lives in the training room, one of the first guys in the building and the last one to leave.”

“...I believe he is the best football player in the country right now. He's the best football player I've been around … He's an elite person, he's a great teammate. He was a unanimous captain which has not happened here with underclassmen for a long time.”

Aston Jeanty started the season in a race to beat Barry Sanders' single-season rushing yard record of 2,628 yards set in 1988. However, his output has slowed down with just 277 yards in the last two games, making the height much tougher to reach. Nonetheless, he can still leave an indelible mark on the landscape this season.

The Boise State running back gets the opportunity to improve his chances in the Heisman Trophy race this weekend as the Broncos host Nevada. The tight race for the coveted award has the likes of Colorado's Travis Hunter, Oregon's Dillon Gabriel and Miami’s Cam Ward in contention.