The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in college football and goes to the best college player in that year whether it be from breaking records, having a consistent season in stats or showing a different style to play the game. The majority of fans are choosing the same player who has an interesting play style that no one has seen since 1997. From Colorado University, wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter has a strong case to win this year’s Heisman trophy.
Travis Hunter has become a “one of a kind” name in the college football world. He cemented his fame last year at Colorado University by joining a handful of players to play on the offense as a wide receiver and defense as a cornerback in college. The last time a college player played on both sides of the ball and won the Heisman trophy was Hall of Fame cornerback Charles Woodson from 1995 to 1997. His high-level and rare versatility allowed him to record 721 receiving yards, five touchdowns on offense and secured three interceptions on defense last year. This year, however, Hunter is on pace to get more passing yards and interceptions than last year. He currently has 561 receiving yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. Additionally, he started the season with four consecutive 100 yard games as a wide receiver and hasn’t allowed a touchdown as a cornerback.
His presence is known in every game he has played in. In addition, Colorado’s head coach Deion Sanders (Hall of Fame cornerback) has experience at cornerback and will massively increase Travis Hunter’s production in interceptions and allow fewer yards. Hunter is only a junior at Colorado University and has the choice to either stay for his last year in college or commit and be drafted to the National Football League (NFL). If Hunter commits to the NFL draft and plays on both sides of the ball (which is very unlikely because his endurance has to be unnatural), Hunter will be the first player since Chuck Bednarik in 1962 to consistently play on both sides of the ball.
Travis Hunter suffered a shoulder injury against Kansas State on Saturday, October 12. Hunter had to sit out in the second half and the severity of his injury is unknown as of right now. This could lower his chances to win the Heisman trophy if this injury keeps him out of the majority of games.
In conclusion, Travis Hunter’s unique play style and versatility makes him one of the most talented players in college. If he can bounce back from this and increase his production on both sides of the ball, then he will have a strong case to win the Heisman.
