NCAA Football: Boise State at Hawaii - Source: Imagn

"This running back is Ashton Jeanty": Fans react to South Oak Cliff High School RB's dazzling run; compare him to Heisman trophy candidate

Modified Oct 29, 2024 18:28 GMT

Fans are buzzing with excitement over South Oak Cliff High School junior running back Corde Fields. Standing at 5'8" and weighing 163 pounds, Fields has quickly gained attention on the football field despite his relatively smaller size.

His remarkable highlight reels showcase him expertly dodging defenders and gaining critical yardage, often shaking off multiple tacklers before finally being brought down.

Fans showed strong support for Fields, with some even comparing him to college standout Ashton Jeanty of Boise State.

Here is how other fans are reacting:

Ashton Jeanty, born December 2, 2003, in Jacksonville, Florida, starred at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, where he racked up 1,843 rushing yards and scored an impressive 41 touchdowns during his senior season.

Footballusa.com notes his exceptional skill set, describing Fields as a "5'8, 170-pound RB/ATH" for the South Oak Cliff Bears who is "tough to bring down on the first tackle."

"While he is only a junior, he has some of the most insane highlights you will find shaking off countless tacklers to get as many yards as possible every time he touches the ball. He has an innate ability to make defenders miss, which leaves anyone watching mesmerized as to how he makes it happen."

Fields have been essential to South Oak Cliff’s successful season, with the team boasting a 6-2 record overall and a flawless 5-0 within their district. The SOC Bears are one of the top teams in Texas, having narrowly missed a state championship win last year in a close 20-17 game.

Ashton Jeanty's Heisman hopes: Chasing records and overcoming setbacks

Through the first seven games of the 2024 season, Boise State’s running back Ashton Jeanty has posted 1,376 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns to his name.

The legendary Barry Sanders, who set the FBS records with 2,628 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns in 1988, remains the standard, but Jeanty could come close to Sanders' records if his momentum continues.

One factor affecting his stats, however, is playing time. Jeanty only played the first half against FCS opponent Portland State, logging 11 carries before resting.

Boise State's potential berth in both the Mountain West Championship and the College Football Playoff could grant him up to five extra games, providing more opportunities to reach Sanders' high marks.

Despite being a leading Heisman contender throughout the season, Jeanty’s odds took a dip after Idaho’s Week 9 matchup against UNLV.

Although the Broncos defeated the Rebels 29-24, Ashton Jeanty's stats that game weren’t his best; he recorded 128 yards on 33 carries, averaging only 3.9 yards per carry—a significant drop from his earlier season averages of 10+ yards per carry.

His longest run capped at 16 yards, unlike previous games where he had at least one run of over 54 yards.

With odds at +450 on BetMGM, Jeanty now ranks fourth in the Heisman race, trailing behind Dillon Gabriel (+240), Travis Hunter (+250) and Cam Ward (+300).

No. 15 Boise State’s upcoming Friday night matchup against San Diego State, whose defense ranks 93rd nationally in rushing yards allowed, could provide Ashton Jeanty the stage to boost his stats and reaffirm his Heisman contention.