When Marcus Allen—Hall of Famer and one of the greatest running backs to ever wear the Silver & Black—speaks, people listen. So when he offered glowing praise for rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, Raider Nation took notice. “He has the power of Emmitt, the balance of Barry,” Allen said, referencing two of the most iconic backs in NFL history: Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders. The comparison is not just flattering—it’s monumental.
Jeanty, a standout from Boise State, was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is already turning heads during offseason workouts. Known for his bruising yet agile running style, he racked up over 1,300 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in his final college season, showcasing not only physical strength but also an elite ability to read defenses and maintain balance through contact. That combination has made him one of the most talked-about prospects heading into the season.
Allen’s comparison holds weight beyond nostalgia. Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, built his Hall of Fame career on power, vision, and consistency. Barry Sanders, on the other hand, was the embodiment of elusiveness, with a rare balance and agility that allowed him to stop on a dime and leave defenders grasping at air. To suggest Jeanty embodies traits from both legends is to imply a rare and special talent—and one the Raiders hope to build their offense around.
The Raiders’ backfield has been in flux in recent years, and Jeanty arrives at a time when the team is searching for a new identity. His ability to grind out tough yards while also breaking off explosive runs fits the mold of a classic Raider back—tough, relentless, and electrifying. With his humble demeanor and hard-nosed approach to the game, Jeanty has quickly earned the respect of veterans and coaches alike.
Marcus Allen knows what greatness looks like. As someone who carried the Raiders to a Super Bowl and redefined the running back position in his own era, his words are not handed out lightly. For him to place Jeanty in the same breath as Smith and Sanders is a powerful endorsement—and a glimpse of the potential the young back possesses.
If Ashton Jeanty lives up to even a fraction of that praise, the Raiders may have found their next franchise cornerstone. The future in the backfield is looking very bright in Las Vegas.