Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter became the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner after his rare two-way production caught the attention of voters. While he did not lead in either defensive or offensive stats, his phenomenal plays all over the field shone through.
As a wide receiver, Hunter was a cornerstone for Colorado, but there was a slight difference in his play between offense and defense. He accumulated 1,152 receiving yards on 167 receptions and 23 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 31 total tackles, including 20 solo, and had 65 yards. He’s tied for eighth in total tackles but leads the Buffs in both interceptions (9) and passes defensed (11).
NFL Insider on Travis Hunter’s Defensive Stats
Insider Joel Klatt gave his Heisman vote to Hunter for the simple reason: “Travis Hunter was doing things that we’ve never seen before in the history of the sport. We might never see it again.”
Klatt also pointed out the unprecedented numbers of snaps Hunter played this season. Averaging 113 snaps per game, Hunter played a total of 668 snaps on defense and 672 on offense. For comparison, most teams typically run between 50 to 80 snaps per game.
While there has been talk about Hunter’s defensive numbers not comparing to his offensive stats, Klatt said on his eponymous podcast:
“What is the number one compliment any offense can pay a defensive back? Don’t throw it at him. He only had 38 targets as a defensive back. I’ve heard people take swipes at his defensive numbers.
“It’s like, ‘Well, he doesn’t have defensive numbers.’ Exactly. Because the ball doesn’t go his way. … He got no action because every offensive coordinator and quarterback would go into that game and say, ‘We’re not throwing at number 12, because number 12 is the best corner in the country.'”
"Don't throw it at him." 😳❌@joelklatt acknowledges that Travis Hunter "didn't have the defensive stats" because opposing offenses didn't want him near the ball 😅 pic.twitter.com/9gpQYMgsQk
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) December 16, 2024
Hunter, who became the first dual-threat athlete to win the Heisman since Charles Woodson in 1997, is projected to be picked at No. 3 by the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft.
Per PFN’s Brett Hoffman, Hunter “has outstanding coverage instincts and ball-hawking skills that can make him a lockdown corner in the NFL. The New England Patriots must give Drake Maye more skill position players to target to help him develop, and it starts with this selection.”