When observing Travis Hunter’s performance on the field, it’s difficult not to draw parallels to his coach at Colorado.
Hunter has excelled in various aspects of the game for Colorado this season, much like Deion Sanders did at Florida State and throughout his illustrious NFL career. Despite Hunter’s dual-threat prowess, Sanders prefers that his standout player not be compared to him. Instead, Sanders wants Hunter to be recognized and appreciated for his own accomplishments.
“It’s not a competition between me and Travis,” Sanders stated to reporters. “I’ve had my time in the spotlight. Travis is the one deserving of all accolades, praise, love, attention, and focus. It’s his moment now. I’ve had mine.”
Sanders’ exceptional ability to excel in multiple sports at a professional level solidified his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He dominated on the football field at Florida State in the ’80s, earning unanimous All-American honors twice and winning the Jim Thorpe Award as a standout defensive back. Additionally, Sanders led the nation in punt return average and recorded three punt return touchdowns during his time at Florida State.
In the NFL, Sanders continued his dominance, claiming a Defensive Player of the Year Award and receiving eight All-Pro honors in the ’90s. He also enjoyed an eight-year Major League Baseball career and became the only player to hit a home run in MLB and score a touchdown in the NFL in the same week. Sanders is also the sole player to have competed in both a World Series and a Super Bowl.
Entering his second season at Colorado and fifth season as a college head coach, Sanders has embraced a mentorship role with Hunter.
“I’m akin to that old boxing coach in the corner, instructing ‘Left. Right. Left. Right. Hit him right here. Come on over to the corner. Let me tell you this,'” Sanders explained. “That’s my position now. It’s not me against him.”
Since his debut at Colorado in 2023, Hunter has been a standout player in the FBS, showcasing exceptional production while logging significant playing time on offense and defense. As a junior wide receiver, he ranks third in receptions (46), eighth in receiving yards (561), and tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns. On defense, Hunter has secured two interceptions and a forced fumble, averaging 132 snaps per game in the Buffaloes’ first five outings.
Colorado’s Travis Hunter strikes Heisman pose after interception
With his standout performances at Colorado this season, Hunter is not just a Heisman Trophy candidate; he’s also in the running to be the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. FOX Sports NFL draft analyst Rob Rang labeled Hunter as an “unprecedented NFL prospect” and had him projected as the first overall selection in his latest mock draft.
When Hunter transitions to the NFL, Sanders will no longer be the “old boxing coach” to him. Sanders mentioned to Klatt on “Big Noon Conversations” during the offseason that he intends to remain at Colorado following Hunter’s and his sons’ (Shedeur and Shilo Sanders) departure to the NFL.
“I lead my sons; I don’t follow my sons,” Sanders expressed. “My sons, including Travis, are preparing to move on to the NFL. I’m not trailing them to the NFL. I’ll be taking the lead. I’m a father, not just a father of children. I genuinely paved the way for my children; they’re not paving the way for me.
“So, my plan is to stay here and thrive here because they are laying a foundation that we’ll continue to build upon in the coming years.”
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