Skates, Spikes, and Sidelines

A season for the history books. Two generational players in Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty going toe to toe in who is most deserving of the Heisman trophy this year. But who is actually the one to hoist the trophy on December 14th?

On one hand, you have Colorado Buffaloes’ Iron Man in Travis Hunter. Consistent and skilled on both sides of the field, it’s something we’ve never seen. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year racked up 92 receptions for 1152 yards, 12 touchdowns, four interceptions, and one forced fumble. Enough to force you to take a breath after listing his stats. Further, Hunter persevered with a 4.0 GPA. A weapon on and off the field.

On the other hand, you have Ashton Jeanty, the Boise State Broncos phenom. With 344 carries for 2497 yards and 29 touchdowns through 13 games. Except it was actually 11 games, Jeanty having been sat for eight quarters. More than enough to be crowned as Mountain West’s Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Ashton Jeanty is also closing in on greatness. During the Fiesta Bowl, he needs only 132 yards (averaging 192/game) to break Barry Sanders’ record which has been standing since 1988.

Two incredible seasons making a decision almost impossible to be made. An unmovable object vs an unstoppable force. My pick is Jeanty. He accomplished such feats against teams who’s entire game-plan was to stop the run. He was consistently running against 8-9 man boxes all season, including against the number one ranked Oregon Ducks. He ran for 226 yards and a touchdown that game. The Broncos wouldn’t have a bye, nevermind even be in the playoffs if it weren’t for him. Hats off to Travis Hunter. This season will never be forgotten, and he’ll be an NFL all-pro for years to come. But he is not Ashton Jeanty.