Travis Hunter feels his Heisman win was pretty “underrated” ahead of NFL Draft

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter believes fans often overlook his Heisman-winning season, making him one of the most underrated players in the conversation.

Travis Hunter feels his Heisman win was pretty “underrated” ahead of NFL Draft

Travis Hunter (Image via IMAGO)

Travis Hunter has mettle like no other. He can do it all—block, receive, intercept a pass—name it, Hunter can do it. It’s because of his versatility that the Colorado Buffaloes star was named the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner.

However, Travis Hunter believes that winning the Heisman Trophy is not as discussed in the media. During the latest episode of The Travis Hunter Show on YouTube, Hunter claimed becoming the best player in college football was an underrated achievement.

YouTube video

Winning the Heisman [Trophy] was super underrated. People still just step over me like I’m just not here… A lot of people try to tell me… that I don’t know how to play football… they’re not trying to believe what they just saw.

Travis Hunter said

Hunter was a standout player for the Buffaloes during his final season. He had already established himself as a dual-threat athlete, but it was amplified in 2024.

According to Pro Football Focus, Travis Hunter played 709 offensive and 713 defensive snaps, averaging 118 per game. He was very close to the top receiver last year, finishing sixth in the rankings with 1,152 yards and third in the Power Four conferences, behind only Arizona Wildcats’ Tetairoa McMillan and Iowa State Cyclones’ Jayden Higgins.

Moreover, Hunter contributed equally in the defense. He posted a 90.5 overall grade as a cornerback, posting four interceptions, and his 11 pass deflections led all the BIG 12 defenders.

Such a level of production is rare in football, and someone with peak athleticism can pull off these numbers unless they have a great engine. Hunter is often compared to his mentor and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. The 21-year-old turned down bigger schools like Florida State and Georgia to learn from Coach Prime at Jackson State. He followed Sanders to Colorado after the former Cowboy switched schools.

What is the connection between Travis Hunter and Deion Sanders?

To some, Coach Prime and Hunter might even come across as father and son, but they aren’t related by blood like Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and DB Shilo Sanders. Hunter even shared that he views Sanders as a father figure.

Travis Hunter feels his Heisman win was pretty "underrated" ahead of NFL Draft
Travis Hunter (Image via IMAGO)

We have that great bond. It’s like a father and son bond. I know whenever I need something I can go and ask him, and I’m pretty sure I can get it 100% of the time.

Travis Hunter said on ESPN College GameDay on FOX Sports

Sanders has always supported Hunter and his wish to play both ways in the NFL. According to the 2x Super Bowl champ, Travis Hunter can do it; the Heisman Trophy in his cabinet is the biggest proof anyone needs. Sanders spoke from experience that the pro game is much slower than in college, and they huddle way more. This puts Hunter in an advantageous position to play both ways.

[College teams] run some type of a tempo, or the transition is much greater than pros from snap to snap. So, with [Travis Hunter] getting that amount of rest, he cannot help but be a great pro. The practices are limited. There’s barely no contact. You can’t even hit a receiver downfield in the NFL no more.

Deion Sanders said

Travis Hunter’s Draft spot: Cleveland Browns

The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and Hunter will be in demand. He’s projected to be the first defensive player off the board. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky knows the perfect place for the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner.

If Kirk Cousins becomes [Cleveland Browns] starting quarterback, I would take Travis Hunter at [No. 2]. If I was dead set on not taking a quarterback and I was getting Cousins. I’ve got a chance now.

Dan Orlovsky said in the latest episode of the Pat McAfee Show

Hunter may be listed as a CB, but Orlovsky wants the Browns to play Hunter as a wide receiver first.

[The Cleveland Browns] still [have] a talented roster, [and Kevin] Stefanski is still a very good coach. Travis Hunter would play wide receiver for me.

Dan Orlovsky said

The Browns are among the few NFL teams that could profit from using Hunter both ways. He will be a solid addition to the AFC North franchise.

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