As Ashton Jeanty prepares for his NFL debut with the Las Vegas Raiders, fans might be in for more than just his electrifying playing style—he could also unveil a new stance in the backfield. That’s right; this running back, who has drawn comparisons to Michael Myers from the “Halloween” franchise due to his unique pre-snap posture, may be shifting gears under the tutelage of Raiders’ offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly.
Jeanty’s straight-up stance, reminiscent of a wide receiver waiting for a pass rather than a traditional running back poised for a play, hasn’t hindered his performance. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. As a Heisman Trophy runner-up at Boise State, Jeanty racked up an impressive 2,601 rushing yards last season, a feat that ranks as the second-highest in FBS history, only trailing the legendary Barry Sanders.
However, with NFL defenses being faster and more sophisticated, Kelly is encouraging Jeanty to refine his approach. This journey kicked off at the Raiders’ rookie minicamp, where the coaching staff began to assist in adjusting the way he sets up before the snap.
In a candid conversation on the “Up & Adams Show,” Jeanty shared a light-hearted exchange with Kelly. The coach asked him about his basketball background—an unexpected turn in their discussion. When Jeanty playfully showcased his defensive stance, Kelly quipped, “That’s exactly why you have to be down in your running back stance.” It was a gentle nudge toward making the adjustment while urging Jeanty to stay grounded—literally.
While Jeanty acknowledges Kelly’s advice, he isn’t ready to abandon his signature stance just yet. “He won for now,” he admits, revealing his determination to make a case for his preferred positioning once he starts making plays on the field. It’s a classic balance of respecting the coaching process while holding onto a piece of his identity as a player.
Interestingly, Jeanty has embraced the comparisons to Michael Myers, even leaning into the fun aspect on social media by dressing up as the iconic horror character last year. For him, the stance has always been about comfort and relaxation, vital elements for any running back preparing to slice through defenses with agility and speed.
As the Raiders look to harness Jeanty’s talent, fans will undoubtedly be watching with bated breath. Will this intriguing back blend his distinct style with the tactical demands of the NFL? One thing’s for sure: whether he’s standing tall or adjusting his stance, Jeanty promises to bring excitement to the gridiron.
