Ashton Jeanty wasted no time showing why he was one of the most productive backs in college football and a top-10 NFL draft pick.
In Saturday’s pre-season clash with the San Francisco 49ers, the Las Vegas Raiders rookie introduced himself in emphatic fashion.
Early in the first quarter, Jeanty burst through the middle before shrugging off cornerback Deommodore Lenoir with a stiff arm that sent the defender to the turf.
The 5-foot-8, 208-pound running back travelled 13 yards to the 25-yard line, only brought down by safety Ji’Ayir Brown with 2:10 remaining in the quarter.
His physical style didn’t go unnoticed by team-mates.
“It fires me up just seeing the way [Jeanty] runs,” said quarterback Geno Smith. “He’s running through people, and he’s not shying away from contact. He’s going to be a special player.”
Although the Raiders eventually fell 22-19 at Allegiant Stadium, Jeanty delivered the kind of performance he had been waiting for.
A Heisman Trophy finalist in college, he recorded seven carries for 33 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown run that capped an eight-play, 41-yard drive to give Las Vegas a 10-3 lead in the second quarter.
“I’ve arrived, and it’s time to keep going and make plays for this team,” Jeanty said.
It was a much-needed bounce back after finishing with minus-1 rushing yard on three attempts the previous week in Seattle.
Jeanty showcased his toughness throughout the contest. On a third-and-5 midway through the first quarter, he powered through safety Marques Sigle for a first down.
Soon after, he caught a short pass from Smith before taking a heavy hit from linebacker Luke Gifford. The rookie was briefly evaluated in the medical tent for a possible concussion but returned for the Raiders’ next series.
“It was just a little stinger. First time I had one,” Jeanty explained. “[Gifford] hit me pretty hard, but I didn’t go down, so I’ll say I won that one.”
Head coach Pete Carroll was also impressed with his rookie’s resilience.
“Jeanty looked tough as hell,” Carroll said.
Offensive progress
Despite the loss, Carroll felt the Raiders’ offense took a positive step forward. With San Francisco resting stars Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Mykel Williams, Smith completed 5-of-8 passes for 55 yards, spreading the ball to five different receivers.
His biggest connection was a 28-yard strike to All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers.
Carroll praised the offensive line, which gave Smith solid protection and allowed just two pressures. Jordan Meredith started at center for the second consecutive week, while rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson lined up at right guard.
“[Meredith has] really taken that thing over and done a fine job with it,” Carroll said. “[Powers-Johnson] is battling at the guard spot, and we know we’ve got a physical guy who’s fired up and helps us out, as well.
“The moves were well chosen, and I think we’re going to benefit from them.”
