Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter plans to turn pro and prefers to continue a dual role, playing wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL.
Hunter could be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is the favorite for the Heisman Trophy.
Speculation about his future quieted as he gained notoriety by the week this season. Field Level Media projects Hunter as a top-three pick in the draft, and he confirmed Thursday this will be his last season at the college level.
“That’s definitely for sure,” Hunter said on a conference call with reporters.
Hunter is consistently playing between 100 and 125 snaps per game for Colorado. He has three interceptions on defense with 74 receptions, 911 yards and nine touchdowns playing wideout for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Also a projected early first-round pick, Sanders committed to play in the East-West Shrine Game in Dallas. The son of Colorado head coach and Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders said Thursday he would cast a Heisman vote for Hunter.
“If it’s between me and him, I would want him to get it,” Sanders said. “He does a lot of amazing things and things that haven’t been done before. I’m not a selfish guy. I know what he’s capable of, so I would rather him win.”
Hunter said he would invite his QB to New York if he’s not named a Heisman finalist before they go about the business of finishing the season, possibly in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Shedeur Sanders said he’s the best quarterback in the draft, and doesn’t believe that’s anything new.
“I feel like I was the best quarterback in the last draft, too,” said Shedeur Sanders. “Ever since I was draft eligible, I knew I’m the best quarterback. It’s not up for me to prove myself to talking about why.”
Former teammates at Jackson State where Deion Sanders also coached, Hunter said he felt his draft stock began to rise only after critics moved past “the hate” for his coach. A flashy, charismatic cornerback in the NFL after starring at Florida State, Deion Sanders was the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Hall of Famers Troy Aikman (first, Cowboys), Barry Sanders (third, Lions) and Derrick Thomas (fourth, Chiefs) were chosen ahead of “Prime Time” along with offensive tackle Tony Mandarich (second, Packers).
Hunter has picked the brain of Deion Sanders about a dual role in pro sports. Sanders was used selectively as a wide receiver and returned punts but was primarily a cornerback in addition to playing Major League Baseball.
There’s no base-stealing in Hunter’s future, but he does believe he can push the envelope as a full-time two-way NFL player.
“It’s never been done,” Hunter said. “I understand that it will be a high risk, (teams) don’t want their top pick to go down too early, and I know they’re going to want me to be in a couple packages. But I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it thus far. I like when people tell me I can’t do it.”
–Field Level Media