Travis Hunter reveals his Heisman Trophy favorites entering 2023 season
The 2023 college football season is upon us, and conversation is already starting about who could win the Heisman Trophy. The reigning winner, Caleb Williams, is back at USC and made some dazzling plays against San Jose State as he started his defense.
However, Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter didn’t put Williams atop his list of Heisman contenders this year. In fact, he put him at No. 3, just ahead of Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 4.
Hunter broke down his list of Heisman favorites this week, putting Williams at No. 3 behind CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 and himself at No. 1. He explained all three of his choices, as well.
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“No. 3, Caleb Williams. And I’m going to say that because y’all just saw his game coming into the weekend,” Hunter said. “He’s what they’ve been wanting, he’s that guy. All of the above. I can tell he works hard, he knows what to read, he knows when to get out of the pocket, he knows when to stay in the pocket. He just makes good decisions. That’s what you need at the quarterback spot.”
Sanders came in at No. 2 on Hunter’s list after he followed his father, Deion, from Jackson State. He put up impressive numbers with the Tigers last season, throwing for 3,732 yards and 40 touchdowns to help JSU to another Celebration Bowl appearance.
Now, Sanders is at Colorado — and Hunter thinks he can make a run at college football’s most prestigious award.
“No. 2, Shedeur Sanders. My quarterback,” Hunter said. “That boy good. Y’all are gonna see this year coming up … a lot of people just don’t know, he can get out of that pocket and move now. He ain’t just no pocket passer. He makes great decisions, he knows when to get the ball out of his hands.
“He knows what’s going on and when to get that ball to who he needs to get that ball to, what’s the right timing and knows how to get the ball to his playmakers and let them go to work.”
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Then, at No. 1, Hunter put himself because of his ability to play both sides of the football. He totaled 19 tackles and two interceptions on defense while also adding 18 receptions for 190 yards and four touchdowns as a key part of the offense.
With those numbers, Hunter likes his chances to bring home the Heisman this season.
“No. 1, come on, man. There’s only one choice, and that’s me,” Hunter said. “Both sides of the ball, I’m going for it all. Got to. Sophomore year, like I said on Instagram, Heisman loading. That’s my goal. That’s what I’m reaching. Sometimes, you’ve got to put your goals out there and let everybody know what you’re reaching.
” I’m just gonna do what I can do best this year, show everybody that me going to Jackson State and so-called ‘not playing’ in a good conference wasn’t good for me. I’m gonna show y’all. I’m gonna show the doubters and prove them wrong.”
Even though he has his personal goal of winning the Heisman, Hunter still knows what the ultimate plan is.
“Like I said, Shedeur, he knows what he’s doing back there and I’ve just got to do my part on defense,” Hunter said. “We’re going to take this team far as long as we do what we are here to do, and that’s win.”