Some former college football players know a thing or two about the game nowadays. And some are just plain clueless. Some know what it takes to earn the most prestigious award in the country. And some just simply won’t ever understand.
Former Michigan great and Heisman Trophy winner himself Charles Woodson falls into the former categories above. And he’s made quite the claim about this year’s Heisman Trophy.

Charles Woodson Picks Travis Hunter As Heisman Winner
Speaking on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff show in Week 14, the former Wolverine and first defensive Heisman Trophy winner gave props elsewhere, but ultimately sided with Hunter.
“A lot of respect for what that young man (Ashton Jeanty) has done, but I got a man that’s played over 1,400 snaps, man playing both ways,” Woodson declared on the set. “I’m talking about a true two-way player.”
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Woodson continued on Hunter, but spoke about him being linked as a snub for the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, an award Woodson won during his Heisman season.
“This dude is outstanding,” Woodson continued. “Look, he got snubbed for being one of the finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, right? What did he do yesterday?”
“(Went) out there and gave you a 13 piece. That means one pick, three touchdowns.”
Woodson, of course, is referring to Hunter’s ridiculous output in front of a national audience on Black Friday against Oklahoma State.
Colorado dismantled the Cowboys, 52-0, and seemed to do everything in their power to shore up the Heisman for Hunter. Included in that performance was even a WR-reverse pass attempt that they called for Hunter to potentially throw a touchdown that was ultimately doomed with a penalty on the play and Hunter taking a sack.
But as Woodson continued, that’s what the award is about. It’s about players who can do everything they’re asked to do, and then some. Players who can elevate the talent around them, and themselves at the same time.
“That’s what that award is about,” Woodson said. “It ain’t about a running back with all the rushing yards, it ain’t about the quarterback with all the passing yards.”
“It’s about who’s the best player in the country. Trust me, I know something about that.”
Yes, Woodson does indeed know something about that.
Back in 1997, Woodson became the first full-time defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, a record that still stands today. Hunter, if he were to win the Heisman, would almost certainly do so on the back of being a two-way player, though his defensive stats do align with Woodson’s Heisman season.
Woodson recorded seven interceptions on defense to go with his 246 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns, thanks in part to special teams play and some minor receiving statistics.
Hunter finished his regular season with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups to go with 92 receptions, 1,152 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns on offense.
This also goes in line with what Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said about Hunter’s performance this season. Following the game against Oklahoma State, Sanders lauded Hunter’s outing.
“I think Travis clinched the Heisman,” Coach Prime said after the game. “I think he made a lot of people aware of how ignorant they were with the Thorpe.”
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Hunter likely locked up the Heisman a week ago, but Woodson and Sanders may be on to something. He may have all but clinched the award with his performance in Week 14.
And that’s something they’d certainly know about.
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