Travis Hunter opens up on what it would take to win Heisman Trophy

Colorado sophomore Travis Hunter isn’t the only player in the nation who believes he can be the Heisman. However, he might be the only competitor who thinks he doesn’t have to change to achieve this lofty goal.

“Just being myself. That’s it. Just what I know playing football: being the best player out there,” Hunter said.

Hunter’s confidence isn’t unfounded. The Georgia native shocked the nation when he committed to head coach Deion Sanders and Jackson State for the 2022 season. Hunter was the No. 2 player in the Class of 2022, according to On3 Industry Rankings.

Standing at 5-foot-11, Hunter boasts the unique ability to play both sides of the ball. In his freshman season at Jackson State, Hunter played wide receiver and cornerback, dominant in each position.

On offense, Hunter finished the season with 18 receptions for 188 yards and four touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman player in FCS football.

On the other side of the ball, Hunter was equally effective, tallying 20 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions and one fumble recovery. After a fantastic debut campaign, Hunter entered the transfer portal and joined Sanders at Colorado.

Sanders can testify how difficult it will be for Hunter to win the elusive Heisman Trophy. Despite a legendary career at Florida State, Sanders never brought home the hardware. In fact, only four receivers have ever won the award, most recently Alabama’s DeVonta Smith.

Further, Michigan’s Charles Woodson is the only defensive player ever to win the honor. Hopefully for Colorado fans, Hunter can live up to any of these names. He’ll need to if the Buffaloes expect to meet Sanders’ expectations for this season.

Deion Sanders demands greatness

“To win, to win,” Deion Sanders said. “To win, develop, get these guys to the next level, and help them to be men, not boys… That’s my expectation, and we’re going to eclipse that. We’re going to win. We’re going to win. We’re going to win. I don’t know how to say that, wish I could say it in several different languages, but we’re going to win.”

Hunter doesn’t doubt his leader for a moment.

“He’s done this before,” Hunter said. “He ain’t got to say nothing. He’s got a gold jacket, and that’s what I am chasing.”

On Sept. 2, Hunter will take the field, whether on offense or defense, to face off against TCU in Colorado’s season opener.