Ashton Giunty is turning pro after his draft stock skyrocketed thanks to a once-in-a-generation season.
The Boise State running back was just on the verge of breaking records and announced he would be entering the NFL Draft.
“The opportunity to play in the NFL was a dream of mine,” Giunty said in a social media post. “I'm proud to represent Boise State and all the people who put me on the path to the next level. I think so.''
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Boise State running back Ashton Giunty (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Laramie, Wyoming. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
As a sophomore in 2023, Giunty ran for 1,347 yards. This past season, he nearly doubled that.
Giunty ran for 2,601 yards, 28 yards shy of Barry Sanders' record for most in a college season. But his epic campaign saw him surpass both Melvin Gordon and Kevin Smith for second place all-time in his only College Football Playoff game against a stout Penn State defense.
Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Giunty, 2, is interviewed by FOX Sports reporter Allison Williams after the game against the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium on December 6, 2024. . (Brian Rosness-Imagine Images)
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Giunty's performance helped the Broncos win the Mountain West and advance to the CFP quarterfinals with a bye. However, as the Nittany Lions advanced to the semifinals, Giunty only allowed a season-low 104 rushing yards. Giunty, who played in the Fiesta Bowl, had rushed for 125 yards or more in each of his previous 13 games this season.
The running back is likely to be a first-round pick this season, but it's hard to see why he wouldn't be taken. The running back position will be revitalized for the 2024 season, and Giunty is arguably the best player of the year.
It's rather unusual to take a running back in the first round, and there were two such cases in 2023, but again, his skill set and the return of value at the position this year have led to Genty being taken in the first round. Some mock drafts have players selected as teenagers.
Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Giunty #2 celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a game against the UCF Knights at Albertsons Stadium on September 9, 2023 in Boise, Idaho. (Lauren Orr/Getty Images)
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Giunty finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, losing to Travis Hunter in the closest vote since 2009.
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