Deion Sanders on Travis Hunter's usage in 2024: 'It's on him'

Deion Sanders won’t change anything about the way Travis Hunter plays but it’s up to the latter to determine how effective he’ll be this season.

At his best, Hunter is one of the best players in college football, being able to electrify as a wide receiver and be a stout defensive back for Colorado. When he was injured last season, Hunter was certainly missed on both ends of the field.

Speaking with DNVR Sports, Sanders put the onus on Hunter to make sure he plays the best he can when he’s on the field.

“It’s on him,” Sanders said. “You want the kid to have fun, and you want a kid to be all that he desires to be. Travis came out of high school playing both ways. Travis came out of youth ball playing both ways (and) Travis going to college playing both ways, came from Jackson State playing both ways. Why would we change what he’s always done in his life? 

“Just because some guy with no talent, sitting up here saying well, he should watch his number of reps. How you know? You count your number of reps when you go to the refrigerator every day?”

Between Sanders and Hunter, it’s common knowledge when the two-way star can be used a lot and when he needs a breather.

“Travis loves the game,” Sanders said. “We have a tremendous relationship and I know him and I know when he needs rest, and we rest him one day a week during season as well anyway to make sure he gets his legs up under him. And he does a good job of being honest and telling us where he is.”

In nine games as a corner last season, Hunter had 30 total tackles, 22 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions and five pass deflections.

While on offense, Hunter reeled in 57 catches for 721 yards, five touchdowns and 12.6 yards per catch. A full season, well, perhaps Hunter goes over 1,000 yards on offense and grabs a few more interceptions.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Hunter was a five-star recruit out of Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 athlete in the class and the No. 2 overall prospect in the class.

After originally committing to Florida State, Hunter flipped to Jackson State to play for Sanders in a historic move in recruiting. Following him to Colorado, Hunter only saw his skill and star power grow.