Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty have earmarked themselves as the front-runners for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. However, Hunter’s recent words diminishing Jeanty’s achievements were called out by Le’Veon Bell.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back came to the defense of fellow RB Jeanty and did so in such a way that wouldn’t hurt Hunter’s feelings.
Le’Veon Bell Sides With Ashton Jeanty Over Travis Hunter in Heisman Discussion
On Wednesday, Hunter’s clip of downplaying Jeanty’s achievements went viral on the internet.
“I mean, y’all see Ashton Jeanty, it’s not like we haven’t seen a running back that’s good,” said Hunter. We haven’t seen a player that plays both ways, and I’m gonna keep saying that.”
Colorado’s Hunter propped up his chances of winning the Heisman Trophy while softening Jeanty’s offensive capabilities. He quipped on the podcast, “If I had 95 catches…how much yards you think I’d have?”
However, Bell did not like the reasoning from the Buffaloes man and stood up for the Boise State running back. Bell took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight his concerns as he replied to the clip of Hunter.
“I love travis hunters game, he’s def been VERY impressive (if not most impressive).. but sayin ‘we’ve seen good running backs before’ tryna down play this man’s season is kinda crazy .. chris gamble from OSU played both ways too, WE KNOW it’s rare, but don’t say it wasn’t done,” tweeted the two-time All-Pro.
I love travis hunters game, he’s def been VERY impressive (if not most impressive).. but sayin “we’ve seen good running backs before” tryna down play this man’s season is kinda crazy .. chris gamble from OSU played both ways too, WE KNOW it’s rare, but don’t say it wasn’t done .. https://t.co/MsrBKWvh64
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 16, 2024
Bell Invokes History of Heisman Trophy in Hunter vs. Jeanty Debate
Hunter is a special breed of talent playing wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes. In six games, he has 49 receptions for 587 yards and six touchdowns as a wide receiver. As a cornerback, he has 18 tackles and two interceptions.
Jeanty has dominated through six games, rushing for 1,248 yards and 17 touchdowns on 126 carries, outperforming all competitors. Despite Hunter’s exceptional talent, Bell believes Jeanty’s dominance is a once-in-a-generation occurrence.
According to a CBS sports journalist, the last running back to put up such numbers and win the Heisman was Barry Sanders in 1988. Meanwhile, the last player to win the Heisman who played on both sides of the ball was Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1998.
We actually have seen a player that plays both ways win the Heisman (Charles Woodson, 1998) more recently than a running back that’s put up these numbers (Barry Sanders, 1988). https://t.co/UdT12sjfXw
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) October 16, 2024