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Chip Kelly's most recent praise of Ashton Jeanty has much more meaning behind it than it may seem

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated May 31, 2025 1:09 AM ET

We all know about the things Ashton Jeanty did in college, whether it be almost breaking Barry Sanders' records or almost winning the Heisman Trophy as a player in the Mountain West. He's truly had a spectacular career up to this point.

But that was all in college. There have been plenty of elite players in college who couldn't make the transition to the NFL, but for some reason, it just feels like that would be impossible for Jeanty. It feels like he is almost guaranteed to be at least a good pro. That is his floor, with his ceiling being limitless.

And you know he's good when his coach is saying he's the best young talent that he's ever seen. And that holds a ton of weight, especially coming from a guy like Chip Kelly.

#Raiders OC Chip Kelly

“Ashton is as talented as a back as a young guy coming in the league as I’ve seen”

Noted his contact balance being off the charts…also mentioned his performance against Penn State (a team Chip had experience facing when he was the OC at OSU)
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) May 29, 2025

"I mean, Ashton is as talented at back as a young guy coming into the league that I've seen," OC Chip Kelly said during OTAs. "He's really special. His ability to sustain runs after contact, and his contact balance is kind of a really rare qualities. He's got a low center of gravity, and I think it's tough to get him down, and normally, the first guy doesn't. I don't think he'll get tackled till we get to our first preseason game, but I'm really excited.

"The one thing about him is he's a really quick learner. He also had experience there with Dirk Koetter, who was his offensive coordinator in his last year. Dirk has been a long-time coach in this league, has been a head coach in this league, and is a really, really good football guy. So he came in with a good basis and understanding. And so, he's done a great job, really, really excited to work with him."

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When you think about some of the guys that Kelly has coached, it will really show you how important it is that Kelly said that about Jeanty. Kelly was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles when LeSean McCoy, or Shady as some know him, led the league in rushing with 1,600 rush yards, and 100 rush yards per game.

Kelly, with the San Francisco 49ers, also coached by the name of Carlos Hyde, who was actually a great running back back in his heyday. So, Kelly, who has also coached in college for some pretty big schools, has seen some good running backs.

But, Jeanty may end up being the best he's ever coached.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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