Playing both offense and defense is unheard of in the game of football, however, Travis Hunter has developed a new idea of what the perfect player should be to a coach. With Hunter being a monumental figure for the Colorado Buffaloes this current season while also becoming a primary contributor at wide receiver and cornerback, it has led many viewers to consider his possibility of being awarded the Heisman trophy by the end of the season. 

His impact on the development of the NCAA can’t be overlooked. Under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders, Travis Hunter, and the Buffaloes have become a force in the league. Playing over 100 snaps per game is not something that is completed often and Hunter’s endurance is only one of the many components that he offers to the game. This current season has only been a reflection of what he has already accomplished, as in the 2022 season, he recorded 16 receptions for 213 yards as a wide receiver and 9 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and an interception as a cornerback. 

With Hunter’s contribution on both ends of the ball, Deion Sanders has even stated that they will prioritize developing their game plan around him. During Colorado’s season opener against TCU, Travis Hunter played a total of 129 snaps, receiving 11 passing for 119 yards while also deflecting 3 passes and receiving an interception that completely changed the pace of the game. This is not a rare occurrence, as in the 2023 season, he averaged 57 receptions with 721 yards on the offensive end only. As a player who has recently enlisted for the NFL draft, scouts are highly considering the possibility that he is a first-round pick. 

As the season continues, more and more conversations regarding the Heisman Trophy are brought up. Travis Hunter is a name that often appears among these dialogues as a top candidate who stands out from the rest. This is due to him being quite different from a typical nominee, as traditionally the Heisman is awarded to players who do exceptionally well in a singular role, typically a quarterback or running back. Hunter’s two-way play style contrasts this idea as he is a strong candidate on both sides of the field and has an outstanding impact on the game. Deion Sanders was also a two-way player in the NFL and often endorses Hunter’s actions by posting about it online or highlighting his achievements in interviews.