GRICIGNANO DI AVERSA, Italy — A notable sight for those traveling along an overpass toward the U.S. Navy Support Site near Naples is an American football field, seemingly out of place in southern Italy.
As visitors navigate through the rugged local streets and pass the security gate, they discover a well-maintained American military base, home to over 500 families. It is here that Ashton Jeanty, a running back for the 15th-ranked Boise State, and a Heisman Trophy hopeful, first took up football.
Jeanty’s talent was initially recognized by Jim Davis, the football coach at Naples High School, while he was still in seventh grade. However, back then, tackle football was not available for middle schoolers. Instead, it was during basketball practice when Davis began to take notice of Jeanty’s exceptional athleticism.
“Watching him go for a layup, I thought he might even dunk it,” Davis recalled. At that time, Jeanty was much shorter — probably around 5-4 or 5-5 — but showed incredible prowess for his age. Davis had to wait until Jeanty was a freshman in high school in 2018 to finally harness that energy on the football field.
Recognizing Jeanty’s potential, Davis moved him from quarterback just two games into the season, leading to a remarkable performance. In the remaining four games, Jeanty rushed for over 1,200 yards on just under 100 carries, scoring 17 touchdowns.
“I can’t say I expected he’d be a Heisman candidate,” Davis admitted. “He likely was the only one who believed that, but I knew he had the talent for the next level, which is why I encouraged him to return to the U.S. for his last three years of high school.”
Following this guidance, Jeanty enrolled at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas. Now a standout for Boise State, he leads the nation with 1,376 yards in just seven games and is regarded as one of the top running back prospects heading into the NFL Draft.
Jeanty’s single season of high school football in Italy offered him experiences that most American teens rarely encounter. With Napoli’s closest competitor being a nine-hour bus ride away at a similar base in Vicenza, Jeanty’s team traveled to play in various countries, including Germany, Belgium, and Spain, with one notable trip requiring an 18-hour bus journey.
Current Naples quarterback Camden Kasparek, who was a ballboy when Jeanty was on the team, reflected on the communal aspect of those travel experiences. “Those long bus rides were filled with bonding and memorable moments,” he said. Jeanty still maintains connections with teammates through social media and avidly follows the team’s progress.
The Navy Support Site provides a unique slice of American life, equipped with amenities like a movie theater, bowling alley, and supermarkets filled with familiar goods. “You can find places like Popeyes, Wendy’s, and Subway here. It’s like a little America,” Davis commented, adding that seasonal traditions like Halloween are also a part of life for the kids on the base.
Due to the absence of lighting on the field at the Navy support site, some games are held at the nearby Carney Park golf facility, which is located within a dormant volcano. This venue is a result of the enduring relationship between the U.S. military community and Naples, tracing roots back to World War II. “It’s a unique setting,” Davis noted.
Jeanty’s experiences in a military family have played a significant role in shaping his character. “He embodies discipline and persistence. It’s about finishing the job, regardless of time,” Davis said, underlining Jeanty’s strong work ethic. Many athletes, including renowned figures like George Teague and Shaquille O’Neal, have tread similar paths from overseas military bases to achieving elite status in their sports.
Davis frequently stays up late to watch Jeanty in action, seeing echoes of the talent he first recognized years ago. “He was always tough to tackle. His energy would keep you on the edge of your seat, knowing the next play could be a touchdown,” Davis said. Many of their games were high-scoring, showcasing the team’s strategic advantage of having Jeanty, known as No. 2, on their squad.