Travis Hunter recalls first conversations with Deion Sanders during recruitment

One of the biggest victories of Deion Sanders’ college coaching career came off the field when he landed Travis Hunter. The former Florida State commit flipped to Jackson State during the 2022 cycle and ended up following Sanders to Colorado this year.

Hunter’s commitment was pivotal considering his ranking on the trail. A former Five Star Plus+ recruit — meaning he was one one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star — Hunter was the No. 2 recruit in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Sanders didn’t have to do too much to win Hunter over, though. In fact, “Coach Prime’s” resume was enough to get things started. The ensuing conversation was what helped sell Hunter on JSU.

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“It really wasn’t a pitch,” Hunter said. “His accolades stand out for himself. So just having a talk. Talking to him about family, just outside of football things was just the main key for me.”

Travis Hunter anchored Deion Sanders’ roster overhaul this offseason

Hunter put together an impressive freshman season a year ago, playing on both sides of the ball. He had 190 yards and four touchdowns at wide receiver while adding 19 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

He’ll try to take a jump this year with Colorado as he faces off against Pac-12 competition after becoming the biggest name to enter the transfer portal. Hunter was the No. 1 transfer to hit the open market this cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings, and was a part of an impressive portal haul for Sanders and the Buffs staff.

Sanders pulled off a roster turnover like we’ve never seen before. Colorado saw 57 players enter the portal and 49 come in as the Buffaloes secured the No. 2-ranked transfer class this cycle, according to the On3 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings. Hunter was one of many Jackson State players to come with him to CU as he brought his “Louis” from JSU. That includes Shedeur Sanders, who looks to be the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback.

Although Sanders said his expectation is to win — he’s made it clear he thinks “we’re going to win” — Colorado came in at No. 11 in the Pac-12 preseason poll. The Buffaloes will open the 2023 season in big fashion as they face a TCU team that’s fresh off a national championship appearance in 2022.