In 2024, the best collegiate player in the country isn’t a quarterback, which is unusual in discussions about first-round NFL picks and potential Heisman Trophy contenders. This time, it’s Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, and it’s safe to assume the Cowboys are paying attention.
Jeanty has been the most dominant player this season and has the chance to be remembered as one of the greatest running backs in college football history. In just six games, he’s racked up 1,248 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the nation in both categories. With an average of 9.9 yards per carry and 208.0 yards per game, Jeanty has a real shot at surpassing Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards.
Hailing from Texas, Jeanty played at Lone Star High School, where he shined as both a receiver and a running back. It’s no surprise that when asked about NFL teams he’s interested in joining, the Cowboys were one of two he mentioned.
Ashton Jeanty as a ‘Hometown Hero’ in Dallas
Jeanty’s potential arrival in Dallas would certainly excite Cowboys fans, especially given the team’s struggles in the running game, which ranks last in the league. During a recent livestream with Boise State on a bye week, Jeanty was asked where he’d like to play in the NFL.
“Bears? Y’all already have De’Andre Swift. Plus, it’s too cold in Chicago. I can’t do that,” Jeanty said.
He then mentioned another team: “The Chiefs? Super Bowl contenders every year? That’s hard to ignore.”
But when it came to the Cowboys, Jeanty’s Texas roots were clear.
“I’m not saying the Cowboys aren’t a good fit,” Jeanty said. “Not at all. I’m from Frisco, I played in their practice stadium. I’d be a hometown hero if I played there.”
Indeed, Jeanty was a star at Lone Star High, excelling at both running back and wide receiver. Despite being a three-star recruit according to 24/7 Sports, he chose Boise State over offers from Kansas, Tulsa, Air Force, Tulane, Navy, Penn, North Texas, and several others.
Cowboys Rarely Pick RBs in 1st Round
Jeanty’s comments caught the attention of Cowboys fans, especially his “hometown hero” remark.
One fan, “Hunter lovewell,” posted on Twitter/X, “I would prolly cry, bro. We need a back like him, would make the entire offense better. Teams can just sit in pass defense all game ‘cause our run game is atrocious.”
Another fan, “Terry,” wrote, “We need a RB now!!!”
“Oskar Baker Fan” added, “I need Jeanty in a Cowboys uniform like I need air.”
However, some fans expressed doubt—less about Jeanty’s talent and more about whether Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would pass on him, as the Cowboys rarely spend first-round picks on running backs. In the last 15 years, they’ve only done it once, selecting Ezekiel Elliott in 2016.
Jeanty may be an exception. He’s not just a potential first-round pick; he could be a Top 10 selection. Pro Football Focus ranks Jeanty as the top running back in the draft and the No. 9 overall prospect, ahead of highly regarded quarterbacks like Cam Ward, Carson Beck, and Shedeur Sanders.
Even with teams typically avoiding running backs early in the draft, the Cowboys could have a real chance to bring Jeanty home, depending on where they pick next April.
