Tim Tebow reveals why Travis Hunter could be 'difficult to evaluate' in Heisman Trophy race

Through the first half of his junior season at Colorado, Travis Hunter continues to cement himself as the top playmaker in the nation. He plays nearly every snap for the Buffaloes on offense and defense, presenting an interesting case for both the NFL Draft and the Heisman Trophy.

To former Heisman winner Tim Tebow, though, Hunter’s two-way ability could present an interesting case for voters. That’s why the Florida great argued Hunter could be “difficult to evaluate” when it comes time to cast ballots.

Tebow noted a unique trait Heisman voters should consider, though. Hunter is a true difference-maker for Colorado and he argued they should consider where the Buffaloes would be if he wasn’t on the field.

“It’s extremely difficult to evaluate,” Tebow said Thursday on ESPN’s Heisman Trophy Preview Show. “And you look at him and do you say, ‘Wow, he’s an explosive receiver?’ Or do you look at him and say he’s a shutdown DB? Do you evaluate him as just a playmaker? And I really think you’ve really got to do all three.

“But when you really look at him, you say, ‘Where would Colorado be without him?’ And they wouldn’t even be close. I think that’s one of the things that we have to take into account in voting on the Heisman is where would this team be without him? And they’re not the same team. I think that’s where you have to give a lot of credit to this young man is the fear that he puts in an opposing offense or defense of every time he steps foot on the field, that team has hope, that team is different, that team believes because they believe in him. That’s something that we really have to evaluate.”

Travis Hunter continues to be Shedeur Sanders’ top target, totaling 604 receiving yards and six touchdonws on offense. He also has 19 tackles and two interceptions at cornerback as the anchor of the Colorado defense.

That two-way ability is like nothing fans have seen since the days of Charles Woodson – who won the Heisman Trophy at Michigan in 1997 when he totaled seven interceptions and 231 receiving yards. Hunter is a big reason why Colorado is 5-2 entering Week 9, and he’ll look to cement his status as a Heisman contender as the season rolls along.