Travis Hunter has been one of college football’s most versatile players, making a case for himself as a first-round pick — potentially No. 1 overall — in the upcoming NFL Draft.
As his junior year at Colorado comes to a close, many expect Hunter to take his talents to the next level. Despite his likely departure, though, he still has one more year of eligibility left, and his desire to play both ways at the professional level could influence his future in football.
Deion Sanders Hints at Possible Travis Hunter Return to Colorado
Playing as a cornerback and wide receiver, Hunter has led Colorado in both interceptions and receiving yards, helping the team contend for a Big 12 championship. Meanwhile, Hunter has consistently expressed his intention to continue playing both offense and defense in the NFL.
This brings us to a key moment in a recent interview, where CBS reporter Romi Bean asked Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, “It’s gonna be senior day, but Travis has said he is going to the NFL. Will he be honored as well on Friday?”
Is there a scenario that Travis Hunter stays at Colorado next year?
Coach Prime shares his thoughts:
“You never know”
h/t @Romi_Bean pic.twitter.com/KvuP5amp1D
— Folsom Frenzy Podcast (@FolsomFrenzyPod) November 27, 2024
Sanders responded with a cryptic statement that has now sparked curiosity.
“Yeah, he should, but you never know how the NFL acts. If that certain team don’t wanna allow him to do what he does, you never know what he may do,” Sanders said.
This comment from Coach Prime, a Hall of Fame coach, seems to leave the door slightly ajar for Hunter’s potential return to Colorado next season. While it’s highly unlikely that Hunter would stay, Sanders’ words suggest that if an NFL team doesn’t allow Hunter to play both ways, it could lead him to reconsider his path.
Now, with Senior Day fast approaching this Friday, all eyes will be on whether Hunter will be honored alongside his teammates or not.
Hunter Stays Confident Despite Richard Sherman’s Doubts About Dual-Role NFL Future
Hunter has heard the doubts about his ability to play both ways at the NFL level. Recently, former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman weighed in on the conversation, stating that it’s nearly impossible for players to handle such a demanding role in the pros.
Sherman, appearing on the St. Brown Podcast, stated, “We’re not playing 50 snaps on offense and 55 snaps on defense [in the NFL]. These QBs are going to say, ‘Hey, let’s see how in shape you are by the end of the fourth quarter. We just saw you run three go routes, I’m about to bring our third receiver in to run you on three more go routes.’”
But Hunter isn’t backing down. The Colorado star has proven his dual-threat abilities this season, racking up 82 receptions for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. On defense, he’s made 31 tackles, grabbed three interceptions, and deflected nine passes.
With his sights set on the NFL, Hunter is confident he can continue to shine at the next level on both sides of the ball.