In this edition of the Heisman Memorial Trophy nominees, two Texas high school football standouts make up half of the honored class. This list includes a two-way player, two quarterbacks, and a running back.
Here’s a look at those nominated with Lone Star State roots:
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB (Lone Star High School)
Jeanty is only the second Boise State player ever to be named a finalist for the award. Currently, he is chasing Barry Sanders all-time rushing record, and needs only 132 yards to do it.
He currently is averaging 192 yards per game.
For the #9 Broncos, the junior accounted for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns. Through 13 consecutive games, he has rushed for at least 125 yards per contest, the longest streak in the FBS since 1996.
As a competitor with Lone Star, Jeanty was a two-way player, taking snaps at running back, wide receiver, defense end, outside linebacker, and safety.
During his senior season, Jeanty recorded 1,843 yards on 229 carries and 810 yards on 41 receptions, totaling 41 total touchdowns and averaging a total of 20.5 points per game.<
Former #TXHSFB player @AshtonJeanty2 is a @MaxwellFootball and @HeismanTrophy Finalist🏆
I talked to Ashton last week! Take a listen to the Maxed Out Podcast and get to know Ashton⬇️https://t.co/jyGDebinTE pic.twitter.com/58zHlW0ZfF
— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) December 11, 2024
Cam Ward, Miami QB (Columbia High School)
The fifth-year senior quarterback tossed for 4,123 yards and an FBS-best 36 touchdowns, surpassing the Hurricanes school record. He completed 67.4% of his passes and led the nation’s highest scoring offense at 44.2 points per game.
Ward competed in Columbia under coach Brent Mascheck, accounting for 1,000+ yards in his junior and senior campaigns. Before graduating, he helped his team become co-district champions, earning hardware for first team all-district as quarterback.
After his high school career, Ward stayed local, playing his first two years at Incarnate Word. In his time in San Antonio, he led the Cardinals to their first Southland Conference Championship, a 10-3 overall record, and the second round of the FCS playoffs.
Both Texas high school graduates hopes to be the first local player honored at the position since Hooks Billy Sims did it in 1978.
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Colorado two-way athlete Travis Hunter also secured nominations for the award.
The winner will be announced at the 90th anniversary of the ceremony on Saturday night in New York City.
