Ashton Jeanty believes that the best analogy for him is Alvin Kamara.

Ashton Jeanty and the Alvin Kamara Analogy: A Deep Dive Into the Rising Star’s Self-Comparison

In the ever-evolving world of American football, player comparisons are an important part of how fans, coaches, scouts, and analysts assess emerging talent. It’s one thing for commentators or draft experts to liken a young prospect to an NFL star — it’s another when the player himself draws the parallel. Recently, Boise State’s breakout running back Ashton Jeanty declared that the best analogy for him as a player is none other than Alvin Kamara, the dynamic and elusive running back of the New Orleans Saints.

For anyone following both athletes, the comparison makes sense on several levels. But to truly unpack why Ashton Jeanty sees himself in Kamara, it’s necessary to analyze their respective playing styles, mindsets, physical attributes, and what this means for Jeanty’s future as he seeks to make his mark in college football and, eventually, the NFL.

Who Is Ashton Jeanty?

Ashton Jeanty, born in 2003 in Texas, emerged as one of the brightest young stars in college football during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. As a key figure in Boise State’s offense, Jeanty made a name for himself with his versatility, toughness, and rare combination of strength and agility.

Despite being lightly recruited out of high school, Jeanty proved to be a hidden gem for the Broncos. His breakout performances — including 100+ yard games, explosive plays, and a knack for finding the end zone — put him on the national radar. What sets Jeanty apart is not just his physical ability but his football IQ and adaptability, traits that remind many of NFL greats like Alvin Kamara.

The Alvin Kamara Blueprint

Alvin Kamara, drafted in the third round by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, revolutionized the role of the modern running back. Kamara’s value comes from his dual-threat capability: he’s as dangerous catching passes out of the backfield as he is carrying the ball between the tackles.

Kamara’s running style is unique. He glides rather than sprints, reading defenses patiently, using sudden bursts of acceleration and uncanny balance to avoid defenders. His ability to break tackles, absorb contact without losing speed, and make defenders miss in space has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Kamara is also a gifted receiver — often lining up as a slot receiver or on wheel routes, catching balls on screens, or running sharp routes. His hands, combined with his spatial awareness, turn short passes into big gains. This dual-threat nature has made Kamara a Pro Bowl regular and one of the most versatile backs of his era.

Jeanty’s Similarities to Kamara

So, how does Ashton Jeanty measure up against Kamara? While Jeanty is still carving out his path, several key characteristics justify his analogy:

1. Versatility

Jeanty, like Kamara, is not a one-dimensional player. In his time at Boise State, he’s shown proficiency both as a rusher and a receiver. Jeanty has been effective running between the tackles, outside the numbers, and in catching passes from various positions on the field. His coaches have recognized this, often using him on screens, check-downs, and even lining him up wide — much like Kamara in New Orleans.

2. Contact Balance and Agility

One of Kamara’s defining traits is his otherworldly balance. Jeanty displays this in abundance as well. Despite defenders wrapping him up, he maintains his footing, using quick cuts and rapid changes of direction to keep plays alive. His lower body strength allows him to absorb hits while maintaining forward momentum — a hallmark of elite running backs.

3. Vision and Patience

Jeanty shows the same kind of vision that separates good backs from great ones. He waits for blocks to develop, reads defensive formations quickly, and has the patience to pick his spots before committing to a lane. This approach mimics Kamara’s style, where gliding through defenders often proves more effective than trying to power through them.

4. Receiving Ability

While still developing, Jeanty’s receiving skills already make him stand out at the college level. His ability to run routes, catch in traffic, and create yards after the catch is reminiscent of Kamara’s role in the Saints’ passing attack. With further refinement, Jeanty could become one of college football’s premier dual-threat backs.

Differences and Growth Areas

No analogy is perfect. While Jeanty’s comparison to Kamara holds weight, there are areas where he still needs growth:

• Top-End Speed: Kamara, while not a burner in the traditional sense, possesses a deceptive speed that allows him to outrun defensive backs in open space. Jeanty has good speed, but to truly reach Kamara’s level, he’ll need to work on improving his burst and top-end speed.
• Consistency as a Receiver: Kamara’s route-running and hands are elite. Jeanty has shown flashes of brilliance in this area, but consistency is key. Continuing to develop chemistry with his quarterbacks and refining his route tree will elevate his game.
• Experience Against Top Defenses: Kamara has proven himself against the NFL’s best. Jeanty, still in the college ranks, needs to face and dominate against the toughest defenses in the country to solidify his standing.

The Mentality Connection

Perhaps the strongest link between Ashton Jeanty and Alvin Kamara lies not in their physical attributes but in their mentality. Both players exhibit a quiet confidence and relentless drive to improve. Kamara’s demeanor — calm under pressure, humble yet competitive — is something Jeanty mirrors in his interviews and on-field behavior.

Jeanty has spoken about studying Kamara’s film, noting how Kamara reads defenses and makes defenders miss with subtle movements. This dedication to learning and growing speaks volumes about Jeanty’s future potential. It’s not just about mimicking Kamara’s playstyle — it’s about adopting his mindset.

What the Comparison Means for Jeanty’s Future

Ashton Jeanty drawing a parallel between himself and Alvin Kamara sets a high standard. It signals not only the type of player he wants to become but also the role he envisions for himself at the next level. This analogy implies that Jeanty aims to be more than just a running back — he wants to be a weapon.

For NFL scouts, this comparison provides a blueprint for what to expect and where to project Jeanty in future drafts. Teams seeking a modern, multi-dimensional back will closely monitor Jeanty’s progression. If he continues on this trajectory, refining his speed, receiving skills, and overall consistency, he could enter the NFL as one of the most exciting young prospects in his class.

Conclusion

Ashton Jeanty’s analogy to Alvin Kamara is bold, but it’s rooted in legitimate similarities. Both are versatile, agile, and highly intelligent players who understand how to exploit defenses with both physical talent and strategic awareness. While Jeanty still has areas to improve, his work ethic, vision, and dual-threat potential make the comparison not only flattering but also plausible.

In a football world constantly searching for the next do-it-all offensive weapon, Ashton Jeanty might just be on his way to becoming college football’s — and eventually the NFL’s — next Alvin Kamara.