December 15, 2024
Hunter became the first true two-way player to win the Heisman since Syracuse’s Ernie Davis in 1961.
Travis Hunter’s season was so special that in addition to the Heisman, which was presented to him on Dec. 14, he won awards for college football’s best wide receiver and its best defensive player.
By: The AthleticHunter became the first true two-way player win the Heisman starting with Syracuse’s Ernie Davis in 1961, the culmination of a remarkable season; saw him become the first player Posted 92 receptions for 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions in a season in NCAA history.
While many will compare Hunter to Charles Woodson because he was the last non-offensive player to win the award, even Woodson doesn’t believe that’s a fair comparison for what Hunter did, as he said: The Athletic.
“They sprinkled me in there (on offense) when they needed a game,” Woodson said. “Travis plays on both sides of the ball, you could say game, but I’m still the only defensive player to win it.”
Hunter was supported by his head coach, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, since they were together at Jackson State, and the way it was done at that level, it paid off hugely in the Power 5. level
In November, Sanders made his position on Hunter clear. “Travis gets my vote. Travis is the best player in college football. He’s the catalyst. He does everything and gives Travis a chance to be Travis. But Travis Hunter does something we haven’t seen before.” “.
On Dec. 14, the Heisman voters agreed, and in a race that ended in the closest finish since 2009, Hunter’s impressive season was enough to surpass numbers not seen since Barry Sanders’ incredible 1988 season.
Hunter will now move to the next level after Colorado plays in the Alamo Bowl against BYU and is expected to be one of the first names on the board in April, alongside his quarterback and coach Prime’s son, Shader Sanders.
Scouts project that Hunter will likely have to pick a position in the NFL the most likely outcome due to a competitive level jump, according to The AthleticDane Brugler, is that Hunter plays cornerback and has some packages where he’s lined up as a wide receiver.
Still, he’s considered a top-five lock, in large part because of his instinctive ability to make big plays and his complete lack of off-field image concerns.
It was that character displayed during the acceptance speech as he took time to thank his father, who watched the ceremony from home.
“I want to tell my father something. He’s not here and couldn’t make it, but I know you’re watching on TV. “Dad, I love you for everything you’ve been through, man… Now look at your oldest son.” for you, man.’
Hunter continued, his voice cracking with emotion.
“All the times you haven’t been able to see me, or the times you’ve come to see me play. From probably not seeing two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend. That’s a lot for me meaning. I know you wanted to be here and you can’t, but trust me, I got you. I love you.”
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