Getty Image / Ron Jenkins
Everyone knew that Colorado would be a huge story in college football this year with Deion Sanders at the helm. But, partly due to the incredible two-way play of star Travis Hunter in the team’s 45-42 win over TCU, the Buffaloes are the talk of the college football world.
Travis Hunter was arguably the biggest name outside his head coach for Colorado coming into the season, as he was the nation’s top recruit in the 2022 recruiting class. And, he shocked everyone on signing day when he signed with Deion Sanders at Jackson State.
Hunter followed Sanders to Colorado as Coach Prime looked to turn around arguably the worst program in the power five, and was instantly as talented as any defensive player in the PAC 12. Talk was that they would use him on both sides of the ball, but no one expected his performance on Saturday.
The Georgia native played a staggering 144 total snaps on Saturday, making big plays on both sides of the ball as he had three tackles and an interception on defense and 11 catches for 119 yards on offense. Take a look.
Watch some of Travis Hunters best plays on both offense AND defense ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HUPSEZ7l5a
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 2, 2023
Yeah, this kid can play.
His unreal performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named the Bronco Nagurski Player of the Week by the Football Writers’ Association of America.
Harking back to a bygone era of two-way players, Travis Hunter put on one of the most dynamic performances seen in years as the Colorado cornerback doubling as a wide receiver came up with two touchdown-saving plays on defense while also catching 11 passes as one of four 100-yard receivers in the Buffaloes’ stunning 45-42 win at No. 17 TCU. For his specific defensive play that included a pass breakup and three tackles, Hunter earned the Bronco Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week honor for games during the extended weekend of Sept. 2, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America.
Teammate Dylan Edwards was also named the Doak Walker Running Back of the Week following his performance where he had 159 total yards of offense and four total touchdowns.
Colorado is back in action this week as they play longtime rival Nebraska in a hotly-anticipated game.