Ashton Jeanty arrived at the 2025 NFL Combine as one of the draft's top overall prospects and surely the No. 1 player in his position group.
But the running back opened up about his football journey a bit Friday morning in Indianapolis, noting that he didn't play football in seventh or eight grade because his father, an officer in the Navy, was stationed in Italy.
When Jeanty returned to the United States, he then played elsewhere on the field.
"I didn't get to play running back until my senior year because there were a lot of guys ahead of me," Jeanty said. "I had to wait my time.
"What I would say to the younger cats is, 'Trust the process.' Your chance will come and wherever they put you on the field, just take advantage of the opportunity," Jeanty added.
Jeanty later landed at Boise State, where he developed into one of the nation's best overall players.
He capped off his college career in historic fashion with 2,601 rushing yards, the second-most in a single season in NCAA history. He also added 29 rushing touchdowns to help Boise State make the College Football Playoff.
Jeanty has now turned his focus to the 2025 NFL Draft, where he is expected to be the top running back taken.
Jeanty said Friday that he doesn't expect to be on the board once the 20s come around. The Chargers have the No. 22 overall pick.
But here's what Jeanty said he'd bring to whichever team takes him in Round 1.
"Just being a three-down back. Obviously, be able to run the ball, catch it and pass protect and be on the field on those third downs," Jeanty said.
He later added: "My best trait is my big-play ability, to have those 60, 70-yard runs ... yards after contact, just being able to break tackles and make plays down the field."
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has Jeanty as his No. 3 overall player while The Athletic's Dane Brugler tabbed Loveland at No. 5.
J.K. Dobbins is a pending free agent for the Chargers, who still have Gus Edwards, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal under contract in 2025.
Here are some top quotes from running back and wide receiver prospects, listed in alphabetical order, who spoke Friday.
Running Backs
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
On the value of his position:
"Most of the teams in the playoffs had a good running back, so I feel like most of the teams now see that and stuff and value the position more. I'm just excited for it, and we just got to add onto that."
On his tackle-breaking ability:
"It's really just a mindset. Fourth-and-1, you know you got to get it. When you're 1-on-1 with a defender, you know you got to make him miss."
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
On his best attributes:
"I think my tenacity more than anything and just the mindset I take every time I touch the field regardless of how big I am. I know what I'm going to do when I get the ball in my hands and even when I'm not playing with the ball in my hands. Teams can expect to get a hard-working player who won't have any issues off the field, who will come into the locker room and learn and try to grow and become a leader. Whatever they need me to do, I'm a play-maker and that's what I'll be."
Wide Receivers
Jack Bech, TCU
On how teams view him:
"I think a little bit of everything. I think every team has something else they want me to be (compared) to the team next to them, whether that's an X receiver, slot receiver, field receiver. I think every team has a different plan for how they want to use me."
On his brother's recent passing:
"I feel like my brother, I know his wings are going to be on me from now until the end of time. It's pushed me to new heights. My work ethic, even though I've worked hard my whole like and done a lot of things others are not willing to do, I feel like I've taken a whole new step in doing that. I know, like I said, he'll be with me and have the best seat in the house from here on out."
Pat Bryant, Illinois
On how teams defended him:
"Early on, we saw a lot of man coverage. But as the season went on, I started seeing more bracket coverage, a lot of Cover 2. In the Big Ten, teams like to run Cover 2 to get corners involved in the run fit. But in the red zone, we saw a lot of man, which is why we were able to capitalize and score touchdowns."
On his blocking skills:
"I love blocking. I love contact. I played safety in high school, so I've always enjoyed hitting. Sometimes they motioned me inside, kind of like a tight end look, and I had to block the C-gap or take on a safety coming down. It's all about doing your job to help the team. Seeing my teammates succeed whether it's a running back breaking a big run or another receiver scoring makes it all worth it."
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
On his preparation process:
"Whenever I do watch myself, I'm my own hardest critic. A reason I excelled at Ohio State was because Coach Hartline and I shared a similar mindset. We're perfectionists to the nth degree. Every time I watch film, I never tell myself, 'Good job,' in my head. I'm always critiquing myself whether it's run blocking, route running, my splits before the play, it's all game for me. It's all an art, and I love the art of being a receiver."
Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
On his skillset:
"My size, but just being able to move like a smaller receiver. I'm big, 6-foot-4, but I can play in the slot. I can play inside and out and just make those plays at the end of the day."
Matthew Golden, Texas
On his biggest strength:
"Being a reliable target. Whenever you need that clutch play, I'm going to be there. I'm can make any play that's coming toward me, and being on the same page with the quarterback at the right time."
On starting college career at Houston:
"It helped me develop because that's where I started off. Just getting in the offense as a freshman, then my second year being under Tank Dell, I took a lot of knowledge from him. Taking that next step to Texas was great for me."
