After winning the Heisman Trophy, Travis Hunter is nearly done with his college football career. His final game will be on Dec. 28 when the Colorado Buffaloes take on the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl.
Speculation regarding his NFL Draft status has gone wild — like where he will get drafted, whether he’ll continue playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL, and whether he’ll be able to translate his form with a new coach other than Deion Sanders.
Eric Bieniemy Asks Travis Hunter To Make Choice Between WR and CB in NFL
NFL and college football are different in many ways, with reasons why players don’t play two premium positions in the pros. Add to it that modern-day coaches are very wary about their first-round picks, Hunter’s chances to wreak havoc on both sides of the ball may not carry in the NFL.
The likelihood for injury increases tenfold if Hunter plays almost all snaps in the game like he’s done throughout his college career.
In a recent episode on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” former running back Eric Bieniemy suggested that Hunter should become a receiver rather than a cornerback if Hunter has to pick a side.
Eric Bieniemy tells @ColinCowherd how he would use Travis Hunter in the NFL:
"I think the kid can be an outstanding receiver… You've got to pick and choose a side." pic.twitter.com/ZDlyLzTpHo
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 17, 2024
“I think the kid is a tremendous athlete,” Bieniemy said. “I’m selfish. I’m on the offensive side of the ball. I want him to play receiver for me. But because I watch all the dynamic things that the kid does — he makes dynamic catches. I would use him just like I would use any other player: jet sweeps, certain routes. I mean, the kid can run.
“He has unbelievable hand-eye coordination. He can track the football. He can come in and out of his breaks. He transitions well. I mean, the kid is a great football player, and obviously, he’s one of the best because of the numbers that have shown.
“But on top of that, the trophy speaks for itself. The kid is also a competitive kid. Yes. Don’t get me wrong, I think the kid is a dynamic college football receiver. I think he could be an outstanding receiver. But you’ve got to pick and choose a side. In my opinion, it’s just my humble opinion.”
Colin Cowherd Thinks Hunter Could Be More Impactful at Receiver
Taking Bieniemy’s point forward, host Colin Cowherd said that despite Hunter being exceptional both as a cornerback and wide receiver, if he has to decide between the two, WR is more valuable and impactful.
“I just think, if I had to choose, I think he’s going to be a better corner than a receiver, but I think receiver is more valuable now than a corner. Because you can design plays and get him involved in the game early and often,” Cowherd said.
Nevertheless, it will be up to Hunter and his next coach to decide his role next year.