Charles Woodson calls for Travis Hunter to win Heisman Trophy over Ashton Jeanty

Charles Woodson made the call and picked Travis Hunter to win the Heisman Trophy over Ashton Jeanty after both players put on phenomenal performances Friday.

Hunter scored three touchdowns and grabbed an interception in Colorado’s 52-0 win over Oklahoma State. Jeanty ran for 226 yards and a score as Boise State finished the season 11-1 with a 34-18 win over Oregon State and will play for the Mountain West title.

But being able to do it all game on both sides of the ball is the difference for Woodson, who knows something about that ability.

“Yeah, a lot of respect for what that young man has done (in Ashton Jeanty), but I got a man that’s played over 1,400 snaps, man playing both ways,” Woodson said on Big Noon Kickoff. “I’m talking about a true two way player … But listen to me, man, this dude is outstanding. Look. He got snubbed for being one of the finalists for Jim Thorpe Award, right? So what did he do yesterday? Go out there and gave you a 13 piece. That means one pick, three touchdowns. Let you know he’s one of the best receivers in the game, one of the best DBs in the game, and the best overall player in college football. 

“That’s what that award is about. It ain’t about a running back with all the rushing yards, It ain’t about the quarterback with all the passing yards. It’s about who’s the best player in the country. Trust me, I know something about that.”

Hunter finished the regular season with 92 catches, 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns, 12.5 yards per catch, one rushing touchdown, 32 total tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, 11 pass deflections and one forced fumble.

For Jeanty, he had 2,288 yards, 28 touchdowns, 7.3 yards per carry, 18 catches, 102 yards and one touchdown reception.

Despite the intense race, Colorado coach Deion Sanders propped up his player Hunter following Friday’s game.

“I think Travis clinched the Heisman,” Sanders said, before pausing and then starting up again. “Thank you God, for stopping me. Because I almost said something. I think Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance. I think he made a lot of people aware of how ignorant they was with the Thorpe. 

“His performance today, what’d he have? Three touchdowns, 100 yards and an interception and two passes broken up. Should’ve had another pick. Hit him right in the darn chest. I’m not happy about that, but I’m happy with him. But it’s phenomenal.”