"It all starts and revolves around Ashton Jeanty": $25 million worth James Franklin has blunt assessment of Boise State RB's Heisman snub
James Franklin's Penn State delivered an authoritative performance last weekend, cruising to a 38-10 victory over SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Penn State and Franklin, who is worth $25 million (per Celebrity Net Worth), have shifted their focus to a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
At the center of Boise State's success is star running back Ashton Jeanty, who finished as the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy race. Jeanty's remarkable season has drawn widespread admiration. On Monday, Franklin shared his thoughts on the Broncos star player missing out on the Heisman Trophy.
"It all starts and revolves around Jeanty," Franklin said. "In any other year, the guy wins the Heisman, and you can make the argument he should have won it this year. He’s hard to tackle. He’s compact and has the ability to run away from you, make you miss. Involved in the pass game, the run game."
Penn State will face Boise State on Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
James Franklin praises Ashton Jeanty ahead of CFP matchup
As Penn State prepares for the Fiesta Bowl, James Franklin discussed Ashton Jeanty's physical and mental attributes.
“He’s a beast,” Franklin said. “He’s a beast in terms of his production. He understands how to be a pro, taking care of his body, doing all things necessary. Also, the way he’s built and his running style helps that as well. All of it is super impressive. But most impressive is his yards after contact. He has more yards after contact than most of the elite backs in college football altogether.” (34:10)
Despite finishing second in the Heisman voting to Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter, Jeanty's season has been nothing short of phenomenal. Hunter secured the Heisman with 2,231 voting points, narrowly edging out Jeanty’s 2,017 points in what was the closest Heisman race in over a decade.
Jeanty has rushed for 2,497 yards this season, leaving him just 132 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders' single-season FBS record.
Pro Football Focus reports that Jeanty has amassed 1,889 yards after contact this season, a statistic Franklin described as "ridiculous." The ability to generate yards after contact sets Jeanty apart.
As Penn State readies itself for the Fiesta Bowl, the Nittany Lions know that stopping Jeanty will be key to their success. For Boise State, the dynamic running back's contributions remain central to their championship aspirations.