With Ashton Jeanty’s departure after a historical season, Bronco football searches for a new star running back.
The Boise State football program is just days away from their Aug. 28 season opener against South Florida and Bronco Nation remains uncertain who will be the starting running back for the Broncos in 2025.
After a historical 2024 season with Ashton Jeanty breaking numerous Boise State and Mountain West Conference records, the Texas native went on to be selected sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Jeanty’s absence left the Bronco coaching staff with the task of filling a very big pair of shoes — or football cleats.
“Right now it’s more of a three-headed deal, and really, I’ve got a lot of confidence in four guys,” Boise State Running Backs Coach James Montgomery said of the running backs who have separated themselves as potential starters. “They’ve all got game experience and I feel really comfortable with all of them.”
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 season, ending with the Broncos falling short to the Penn State Nittany Lions in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Fiesta Bowl, many expected redshirt freshman Sire Gaines to take over the running back role after Jeanty’s departure. However, with former Fresno State running back Malik Sherrod transferring to The Blue, sophomore Dylan Riley turning heads during fall camp and junior Jambres “Breezy” Dubar now healthy from previous injuries, the running back job appears to be up for grabs.
“Malik, he’s lightning in a bottle,” Montgomery said. “He’s quick and fast, and you love his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He provides special teams value as well with his return-game ability.”
Malik Sherrod transferred from fellow Mountain West school Fresno State to BSU in January. Sherrod, a sixth-year senior, missed most of the 2024 season due to injury, but his 2023 season when he amassed 966 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns is a testament to his talent.
“Sire is more of a combo back,” Montgomery said. “He’s got speed, but he’s bigger. He’s going to have the ability to really wear down the defense.”
6’0”, 215 lb Gaines saw limited action in 2024 as he backed up Ashton Jeanty and suffered a season-ending knee injury in week three against Portland State. Despite the injury keeping him sidelined for most of last season as well as spring ball, the now-healthy Perris, California native will likely make an impact.
Sophomore Dylan Riley hopes to build off his impressive freshman season in which he was named to the All-Mountain West Second Team. Junior Jambres “Breezy” Dubar hopes to showcase his talent now that he is healthy after being riddled with injuries throughout his Boise State career.
“When you give Dylan a crease [running lane], he has some really good long speed,” Montgomery said. “Breezy has had some injury issues, but when he’s had his opportunities he’s made plays.”
The level at which the running back room is praised by Coach Montgomery is an indication of their hard work not only on the turf, but in the weight room as well.
“Those guys are extremely dialed when they come in to train,” Sports Performance Coach Ben Hilgart said. “The way they’re wired, it started last year with Ashton. He set that precedent in terms of what it takes to be a running back here and the young guys have really followed suit.”
The raw, physical talent of Ashton Jeanty is no secret in the football world, but his leadership, work ethic and discipline are traits he not only took with him to the NFL, but also left behind for his predecessors, who he influenced significantly.
“By the time you get to the end of the day, you watch those highlight shows and are waiting to see what kind of run he had,” Boise State play-by-play announcer Bob Behler said on Jeanty’s 2024 season. “Even after he’s gone from Boise State, you still look to build off someone like that who is generational.”
Hilgart notes that the foundation Jeanty laid for the rest of the team is apparent for the running backs.
“All of them have made huge gains during the offseason.” Hilgart said, “They all had different goals going into this season and they checked the boxes and made the progress that needed to be made.”
Bronco Nation will soon get a glimpse of who may be the primary running back for the 2025 season when the Broncos kick off their season at South Florida on Aug. 28.
“We’re going to play to their strengths and their skill sets,” Montgomery said. “I can’t rotate four guys in a game, no one is going to be able to get a rhythm. It’s going to be a feel thing for me. If a guy gets that hot hand, they’re going to keep toting that ball.”
