Travis Hunter Jr. became the fifth non-quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy in the 2000s and just the second player from Colorado to win the award. He quite literally changed college football history over the last three years.
It all started with a simple message from Shedeur Sanders.
Hunter was the No. 1 overall prospect in the recruiting Class of 2022. The Peach State-native received 17 scholarship offers from schools like Alabama, Texas, Michigan, Ole Miss and Clemson but he could’ve played anywhere in the country. His decision ultimately came down to Florida State and Georgia. The Seminoles were in great position to land the best player in the country right up until the last possible second.
Even though Hunter put on an FSU hat during his National Signing Day ceremony, he sent shockwaves across college football when he tossed it aside and revealed his commitment to Jackson State.
THE NATION’S NUMBER ONE RECRUIT TRAVIS HUNTER JUST MADE HISTORY!!!!!!!! JACKSON STATE!!!!!!!!! @DeionSanders @JacksonStateU pic.twitter.com/WOXdqj2auy
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) December 15, 2021
The decision was monumental for a few reasons. First and foremost, Hunter became the highest-rated player in history to sign with an HBCU and/or FCS program. He also turned down a lot of NIL money to go be coached by Deion Sanders in Mississippi and ultimately Colorado.
We had that conversation with whether I was gonna go or stay with Florida State. [Deion Sanders] let me know he wanted me: “It’s like, going to be a big impact but you’re a humble kid and we know you can take on whatever comes your way. So, it’s your choice to make.”
I finalized and made the decision with, at the time, my girl. She was still there. She still is here. So, people don’t know I had that conversation with her first before I went to my family and had that conversation. Once I had that conversation with them, let them know, I know it’s a big sacrifice but one day my brothers and sisters may not go D-I. So, I’ve still got to shine a light somewhere else and that was my main focus and that’s what I did.
— Travis Hunter Jr. via The Pivot Podcast
Most of the schools that offered Hunter were going to keep him on defense. Coach Prime gave him the opportunity to play both ways. It obviously worked out! He is the best player in college football this year.
The 21-year-old was very emotional during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech on Saturday night. Hunter thanked Deion and Shedeur Sanders for changing his life.
Shedeur posted on Instagram to celebrate his best friend. In doing so, he revealed his initial exchange with Hunter on Nov. 12, 2020.
SHEDEUR: “gone ahead a flip !”
TRAVIS: “I just might big bro”
SHEDEUR: “i need ya to come play w me do something that hasn’t been done before”
TRAVIS: “Ong I need to get on the map and I’ll love to play for ur father and u bro cold asf and nobody can take that from u”
SHEDEUR: “preciate it bro lmk sum”
TRAVIS: “I gotchu fashoo”
The rest is history. Quite literally!
In addition to his expression of gratitude, Travis Hunter also mentioned an after party during the acceptance speech. A big smile took over his face.
Colorado, I know y’all somewhere. And we got this after party. It’s gonna go crazy!!!
— Travis Hunter
Behind-the-scenes images and videos have yet to be released of said party, but we got a peek through Well Off Media. The whole squad showed out to celebrate and Hunter cut a rug!
None of this would’ve happened if Travis Hunter didn’t break the mold. Pretty cool!