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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Colorado Defensive Coordinator Reveals Travis Hunter's Ideal NFL Role
Former Colorado Defensive Coordinator Reveals Travis Hunter's Ideal NFL Role originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Few players in college football have sparked more debate, and awe than Travis Hunter. And few coaches know him better than Charles Kelly. Advertisement The former Colorado defensive coordinator spent a season witnessing Hunter's generational two-way talent up close. Now the head coach at Jacksonville State, Kelly recently shared his unfiltered thoughts on where Hunter should line up in the NFL, and it's a strong vote for defense. 'I'm playing him on defense and let him play offense in situations,' Kelly told reporters at the Alabama Sports Writers Association convention. 'He can go get the ball… he is deadly when his eyes are to the quarterback.' For Buffaloes fans who watched Hunter's 2023 breakout, this endorsement comes as no surprise. That season, Hunter captured the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player and earned All-American honors. In just nine games, he notched 3 interceptions, 31 tackles, and 5 pass breakups, all while racking up over 700 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on offense. But for Kelly, Hunter's true value lies not in highlight-reel touchdowns, but in game-changing defensive vision. Advertisement 'When he can see where that quarterback is looking, he can find the ball,' Kelly said. 'That's what hurt us with him—we weren't good enough up front to play a lot of zone. We had to play a lot of man-to-man.' It's a telling reflection. Even while Colorado struggled defensively in 2023, Kelly still saw glimpses of Hunter's elite instincts. Special instincts that, in a more complete defense, would have been fully unleashed. Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Travis Chenoy-Imagn Images The NFL has taken notice. After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024, becoming the first two-way player to do so since Charles Woodson, Hunter was selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jags intend to use him as a two-way weapon, but Kelly thinks they'd be wise to lean into his ball-hawking abilities on defense first. Advertisement 'I do think he can play offense,' Kelly acknowledged. 'You can put things in scheme-wise to get him open. But when his eyes are on the quarterback? That's when he's at his best.' For Colorado fans still glowing from Hunter's legacy in Boulder, it's gratifying to hear a respected voice like Kelly's reinforce what they already know: Hunter isn't just a versatile star, he's a defensive difference-maker with a rare gift. And in the NFL, where turnovers change games and instincts can't be taught, Kelly's advice to Jacksonville might be the smartest game plan yet. Travis Hunter Colorado Buffaloes defense interception NCAA football This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jaguars make announcement about Travis Hunter ahead of rookie minicamp
The Jacksonville Jaguars got a steal when they traded up to get Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter. He became the highest drafted cornerback and second-highest drafted wide receiver in NFL history Hunter arrived in Duval on Friday for rookie minicamp, which was 24 hours after participating in the commencement ceremony in Boulder. Advertisement There was more news coming from the Jaguars on Friday. Hunter will retain his college number and wear No. 12 starting this year. With the details set in stone, 'Saucy-T's jersey will likely be an NFL top-seller, like his CU teammate Shedeur Sanders, who ironically took the same number from the Cleveland Browns Hunter has worn No. 12 nearly his entire life. He carried it from Jackson State to Colorado and now in the NFL. There's a little luck for the Heisman Trophy winner who will look to make his number famous at the next level. Related: Browns make final training camp decision on Shedeur Sanders Now, Hunter joins a Jaguars franchise looking to make strides towards being an AFC contender. He's expected to be a rare asset on both sides of the ball. Jacksonville was one of the only NFL teams who expressed willingness to have Hunter at wide receiver and cornerback. Advertisement Related: Travis Hunter's graduation attire is turning heads on social media Hunter became the most decorated player in college football history last year being named the consensus national player of the year by winning the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award and both the AP and Sporting News Player of the Year honors. He was also repeated as the Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player) while winning the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy as national defensive player of the year and the Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver regardless of position.
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Travis Hunter receives custom Rolex from fiancée Leanna Lenee ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
Travis Hunter, one of the most anticipated picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, received a heartfelt surprise from his fiancée, Leanna Lenee, just hours before the event. As the former Colorado standout prepares to hear his name called at Lambeau Field on Thursday night, Lenee gifted him a custom Rolex in celebration of his achievements and future. A video capturing the emotional moment went viral on social media, showing Hunter's visible surprise and gratitude. The gift served as a tribute to a college career filled with historic milestones, and it comes ahead of one of the most pivotal nights in the athlete's life. Hunter is projected to be selected within the top three picks of this year's draft. Hunter capped off the 2024 season with one of the most decorated careers in college football history. He secured the Heisman Trophy along with the Walter Camp Award, AP and Sporting News Player of the Year honors. He also made history as a rare two-way player, excelling on both sides of the ball. Among his accolades, Hunter repeated as the Paul Hornung Award recipient and claimed the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy as the nation's top defensive player. He also won the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing him as the best receiver in the country. The 2025 NFL Draft is being held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network. As he steps onto the NFL Draft stage, Hunter will not only carry the weight of high expectations but also the support of his soon-to-be wife — and a new Rolex on his wrist.
New York Times
23-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Travis Hunter's father receives permission to attend 2025 NFL Draft
Travis Hunter's father, Travis Sr., has been given permission to attend the 2025 NFL Draft, according to court documents. Hunter's father is serving probation related to gun and drug charges stemming from his arrest during a traffic stop in November 2023. He was not able to attend the Heisman Trophy presentation in December, where his son, a former Colorado two-way star, won the award. Advertisement He will, however, be able to attend the draft, which will be held in Green Bay, Wis., from April 24-26, where Hunter Jr. is projected to be selected early. Hunter Jr. heads into the draft as The Athletic's top-ranked prospect following a stellar career that began at Jackson State, where he was recruited by head coach Deion Sanders. He followed Sanders to Colorado and helped the program win nine games in 2024 while winning several national awards for his play on both offense and defense. He won the Walter Camp Award, the Paul Hornung Award, the Bednarik Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Biletnikoff Award in addition to the Heisman Trophy. Colorado has already retired Hunter's number 12 after he posted 153 receptions for 1,979 yards and 20 touchdowns offensively as well as 67 tackles, seven interceptions, 16 pass breakups and a forced fumble in his two seasons in Boulder. Hunter Jr. acknowledged his father during his acceptance speech. 'Dad, I love you,' Hunter Jr. said. 'All the stuff you went through … I did it for you, man. All the times that you didn't get to see me, or the time you came to see my games. From seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me, that means so much to me. I know you wanted to be here and you can't. But trust me, I got you.' Hunter's father will be able to attend Thursday night of the draft before returning to his home in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to court records.
Fox News
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Colorado will retire Shedeur Sanders' No. 2, Travis Hunter's No. 12
Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter left big footprints in only two seasons on the field at Colorado. For that, their numbers will be retired on Saturday at the spring game as part of the afternoon's festivities. Sanders' No. 2 and Hunter's No. 12 are set to become the fifth and sixth numbers retired by the football program. The dynamic tandem join the company of quarterback/halfback Byron White, (No. 24), guard/linebacker Joe Romig (No. 67), quarterback/tailback Bobby Anderson (No. 11 ) and the late tailback Rashaan Salaam (No. 19). Hunter, who played both wide receiver and cornerback, is coming off a Heisman Trophy campaign. Sanders broke many of the program's passing records in leading the Colorado offense. Both are expected to be high selections at the NFL draft on April 24. They each arrived at Colorado from Jackson State and were instrumental in helping coach Deion Sanders restore the luster to a downtrodden Buffaloes program. After going 4-8 in the first season under Sanders — a season that drew celebrities to the sideline and plenty of national exposure — Colorado finished 9-4 last season and went to the Alamo Bowl. Hunter concluded his Colorado career with 153 catches for 1,979 yards and 20 TDs (he also had a rushing score). On defense, Hunter finished with seven interceptions, notched 16 pass breakups and forced a fumble. All that with opposing offenses shying away from his side of the field. He rarely left the field, either. Hunter played in a total 2,625 snaps, which led the FBS in 2023 and '24. It was a bountiful award season for Hunter. In addition to the Heisman, he picked up the Walter Camp Award, his second straight Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player) and the Bednarik Award. He also took home the Lott IMPACT Trophy as national defensive player of the year and the Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver. Shedeur Sanders left some hardware of his own — the Johnny Unitas award that's handed to college football's top QB. He was named the 2024 Big 12 offensive player of the year. Sanders shattered more than 100 school marks while under center for the Buffaloes, including career passing touchdowns, passer rating and completion percentage. Sanders threw for 7,364 yards and 64 TDs with a 71.8% completion rate in his Colorado career. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
