Travis Hunter admits he is not 100% healthy, says he is 'getting there'

Travis Hunter was primed to be one of the next college football stars under Deion Sanders’ tutelage at Jackson State.

However, injuries slowed the former top recruit down some with the Tigers, and he’s now playing on a different team entirely, following his coach to the Colorado Buffaloes. With a fresh start in a new program with his trusted leader, Hunter spoke about the frustrations of battling injuries last season, and how he’s ready to have the “best season” of his college career in 2023.

“It was very difficult, because I came back early off an injury when I wasn’t supposed to, but I wanted to play as much as I can, so I just came in and did what I was supposed to do,” stated Hunter. “Now I’m trying to get back up to 100% healthy so I can be able to play the best season of my college career right now.”

Additionally, Hunter admitted that while he may not be 100% injury free at the moment, he’s getting closer and closer each day as it pertains to his health.

“Not right now, but I’m getting back to 100%,” added Hunter. “That’s for sure.”

Now while injuries were part of the 2022 season for Hunter, not getting to play in every game for the Tigers, he still put up impressive stats on both sides of the ball, showing why teams around the country wanted him.

For context, Hunter only recorded 11 tackles but was really impressive in coverage. He had seven passes defended and intercepted two passes. One even went for a touchdown, taking a 44-yard pick-six the other way.

On the offensive end, Hunter caught 13 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns. An impressive yards-per-catch average of 10.9 will have Sanders hoping his star athlete can still play both sides with the Buffaloes.

Moreover, Hunter pulled off one of, if not the, biggest surprises in the history of recruiting. Being a Five-Star Plus+ prospect, he turned away multiple Power Five programs in order to sign with Jackson State. Of course, Sanders was a huge reason why. Now the two are keeping their relationship alive in Boulder, hoping to rebuild the Colorado program in a big way.

Travis Hunter played high school football at Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill, where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 2 overall recruit and No. 1 athlete in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Similar rankings are true just a year later, with Hunter being the No. 1 player in the On3 transfer portal rankings. A special talent is going to be in Boulder for at least the next two seasons, and hopefully Hunter will be able to stay injury free moving forward.