Super Bowl-winning head coach 'anxious' to see Emmitt Smith regen Ashton Jeanty in CFB playoffs

One of the biggest storylines this season in college football has been the emergence of Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. He has been the nation's best running back, putting up video-game-like numbers of the season.

On the season, Jeanty has rushed for 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns on 312 carries, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Additionally, he has 18 catches for 102 yards and a receiving touchdown this season.

Jeanty's Boise State Broncos are the 11th-ranked team in the nation and are in prime position for a playoff spot. This Friday night, the Broncos will host No. 22 UNLV in their regular season finale before the playoffs.

As the Broncos and Jeanty will appear in the playoffs, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden Tweeted that he's excited to watch Jeanty go against elite competition while comparing him to NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith.

As the Broncos and Jeanty head to the playoffs, former NFL coach Jon Gruden tweeted his excitement to see Jeanty face elite competition, comparing him to Emmitt Smith.

"I love Jeanty," Gruden tweeted on Saturday. Saw him catch 43 passes two years ago. Similar height weight to Emmitt Smith coming out of Florida. Great vision and feet. He has surprising power, a very good stiff arm, and he can finish his runs with authority. Am anxious to see him against the big-time competition when the playoffs start."

Both Smith and Jeanty are listed at 5-foot-9 and are both 216 pounds. Both running backs are balanced with a good combination of speed, size, running back vision and other attributes.

The final College Football Playoff rankings will be released at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday before the final bracket is set five days later on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.

Will Ashton Jeanty be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft?

Ashton Jeanty during San Jose State v Bosie State - Source: Getty

It is becoming more and more rare these days to see running backs selected in the first round of NFL drafts. This is because teams can find running backs in later rounds and since running backs aren't as durable as other positions.

Five RBs have been drafted in the first round since the 2020 NFL draft.

Jeanty will likely break the mold and be drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Some mock drafts have him projected as a top-15 pick. Many other mock drafts have him pegged to get drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, playing in his home state.

Ashton Jeanty's numbers are certainly worthy of him being a first-round pick. But it's up to general managers and owners to see if he is worth taking a shot in the first round.