Colorado Buffaloes cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter is getting many voices in support of his Heisman candidacy. The latest to do so was New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers.
On Dec. 9, Hunter was announced as a finalist for the prestigious college football award. Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward were the other three named for the honor.
Malik Nabers Nominates Travis Hunter As “Best Player in College Football”
Hunter has made many fans of his playstyle on both sides of the ball. This season, the wide receiver has caught 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a cornerback, he has recorded 31 total tackles (20 solo), 11 passes defended, one forced fumble, and four interceptions.
On Wednesday (Dec. 11), during an interaction with reporters after weekly practice, Nabers spoke highly of the Colorado star.
Malik nabers on Travis hunter
“He’s the best player in college football”#HE12MAN pic.twitter.com/EKkzyabztg— Dalvin truth (@dalvinthetruth) December 12, 2024
“He’s hit a thousand yards as a receiver — that’s hard to do,” Nabers told reporters. “And I think he got double-digit touchdowns as a receiver too. That’s especially tough when you’re going into a game knowing the defense is keying in on you, and yet you’re still as explosive as he is.
“Then he goes on defense and locks down his side of the field. They don’t want to throw his way, but he’s still able to get interceptions and shut down receivers. I think that’s what makes him such a unique player. He’s the best player in college football. When you can play both sides at such a high level like he does, there’s no doubt about it.”
Malik Nabers Has No Doubts If Travis Hunter Can Continue To Play Two-Way in Pro Levels
Hunter has already made his intentions known that he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. His team, the Colorado Buffaloes, is scheduled to play the Alamo Bowl against the BYU Cougars on Dec. 28.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a popular team linked to Hunter — the fit makes sense. However, several analysts have raised the question of whether Hunter will continue to impact both sides of the ball on his professional team. One drawback of playing so many snaps is that you increase the likelihood of getting injured. No team would want an elite player and first-round pick to get injured trying to do everything.
However, Nabers believes there’s no ceiling when it comes to Hunter.
“I don’t put a ceiling on anybody’s capability. I’ve seen this person before, and I’d say he can 100% do it,” Nabers said. “I know there are a lot of people saying that he can’t, but I feel like he can. I think he’s going to want to prove to people that he can do it — and he’s going to be able to do it.”
Whatever team drafts him, it’ll be interesting if they allow him to impact the game the same way he did for the Buffaloes.