Travis Hunter inspired several Colorado Buffaloes players after becoming only the second Heisman Trophy winner in the program’s history. He joins 1994 Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam while also becoming the first two-way star since Charles Woodson (1997) to win college football’s most prestigious honor.
Under the guidance of Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes secured bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. Had Colorado not lost against Kansas in Week 13, they could have played the Big 12 Championship Game for an opportunity at the College Football Playoff.
DJ McKinney Motivated After Seeing Travis Hunter Lift Heisman Trophy
Among those left inspired by Hunter’s incredible 2024 season, culminating with a Heisman and several other awards, is DJ McKinney, Colorado’s sophomore cornerback out of Colleyville, Texas.
McKinney said that seeing the cornerback/wide receiver achieve great heights motivates him to do something similar for the program.
“Seeing him walk in with the Heisman trophy kind of made me realize I can win an award too next year. I can see myself carrying the trophy,” McKinney said.
🔥 #12 Inspires Belief. The Next Heisman. @DjMcKinney22 praises Travis Hunter
"Seeing him walk in with the Heisman trophy, it kinda made me realize I can win an award too next year. I can see myself carrying the trophy"
📽️ @KingDarius_NS @TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/48kVrbHf77
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) December 18, 2024
DJ McKinney Is Like Travis Hunter to Some Extent
Over the course of his career, McKinney has accumulated 100 total tackles. He’s also recorded 13 pass deflections, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions for 16 yards (one pick-six).
Like Hunter, McKinney is a two-way star, with him registering one rushing touchdown and contributing one return touchdown, finishing with a total of 12 points in 2024 alone.
McKinney joined Colorado as an undergraduate transfer from Oklahoma State, where he played during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining.
At Oklahoma State, McKinney played 18 games over two seasons. In the 2023 season, he recorded 38 tackles and five pass breakups while contributing in all 14 games. He registered a career-high seven tackles in the Big 12 Championship Game against Texas. During his 2022 redshirt season, McKinney appeared in four games, tallying two tackles.
Before his college career, McKinney was a three-star recruit from Colleyville Heritage High School in Texas. Off the field, McKinney is the son of Amy and Damion McKinney.