The Heisman Trophy Debate: Deion Sanders’ Perspective
The race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy is heating up, and Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders, has made his choice clear. While some may argue that his opinion is influenced by bias, he firmly believes that Travis Hunter stands out as the frontrunner.
Coach Prime’s Endorsement
During a recent episode of “Big Noon Kickoff,” aired from Texas Tech ahead of their matchup against Colorado, Sanders stated emphatically, “Travis gets my vote. Travis is the best player in college football.” His endorsement reflects not only personal belief but also a recognition of Hunter’s exceptional talent on the field.
!Travis Hunter and Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders with Travis Hunter during a game against North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field on August 29, 2024.
A Unique Talent
Sanders acknowledges that while his son Shedeur plays a pivotal role in their team’s success—acting as the driving force—Hunter’s contributions are unprecedented. “Truly, Shedeur is the catalyst; he makes everything go,” said Coach Prime. However, he insists that what Hunter brings to both offense and defense is something we have rarely witnessed before.
Hunter has drawn comparisons to Shohei Ohtani in baseball due to his dual-threat capabilities on the football field. Many NFL scouts project him primarily as a cornerback; however, this season alone he has recorded an impressive 60 receptions for 757 yards and eight touchdowns over just eight games—a remarkable feat considering he missed three games last year due to injury.
!Travis Hunter scores a touchdown
September 28, 2024: Travis Hunter scores against UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
Defensive Prowess
In addition to his offensive statistics, Hunter leads all players in the Big 12 with seven pass breakups and boasts two interceptions along with 21 total tackles—14 being solo efforts. This combination of skills makes it no surprise that many mock drafts predict him landing within the top five picks come draft day.
Competing Candidates
While Travis Hunter garners significant attention for this year’s Heisman race, other contenders are also making headlines:
- Dillon Gabriel, quarterback for Oregon: Leading one of college football’s top-ranked teams.
- Cam Ward, quarterback from Miami: Currently holds an impressive record with 29 passing touchdowns.
- Ashton Jeanty, running back at Boise State: On track to potentially shatter Barry Sanders’ long-standing single-season rushing record.
Each candidate presents compelling arguments for consideration based on their individual performances throughout this season.
September 21, 2024: Travis Hunter before facing Baylor Bears at Folsom Field.
The Final Stretch
As we approach decision time for this year’s Heisman Trophy winner, it’s evident why Coach Sanders champions his star player so passionately—it’s hard not to support someone who showcases such versatility and skill across multiple positions on the field.
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