Playing on both sides of the ball as a receiver and cornerback, Colorado’s Travis Hunter proved too much for North Dakota State and remained the nation why he could — and possibly should — win the Heisman Trophy this season.
Travis Hunter’s Stats Showcase Elite Receiving Ability
The Bison gave the Buffaloes all they could handle in the season opener, but Hunter gave them even more. He caught seven of his nine targets from QB Shedeur Sanders for 132 yards and three touchdowns.
Hunter’s first catch was the first TD of the game — and it was spectacular.
He took a short pass 41 yards to the house, showcasing his elite athleticism and speed with the ball in his hands.
His next score was a 13-yard end zone grab that put the Buffaloes up 24-20 in the third quarter.
But Hunter’s third and final score was far and away the highlight of the night — and quite possibly of the season.
Three yards from the goal line, Hunter faced single coverage by the right pylon, and despite aggressively tight coverage from redshirt freshman Jailen Duffie, Hunter came down with the game-clinching TD.
TRAVIS HUNTER, HOW⁉️pic.twitter.com/NoKMaErpVI
— College Football Network (@CFN365) August 30, 2024
Based on the level of difficulty, the concentration required, and the fact it almost looks like a College Football 25 glitch, Hunter’s 3-yard score is an early contender for the 2024 Catch of the Year.
Colorado’s version of “The Catch” had the college football world on their feet shouting a the TV, including some legendary athletes.
Los Angeles Lakers future Hall of Famer Lebron James posted on X, “MAN TRAVIS HUNTER IS RIDICULOUS!!!!! WOW,” while Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill said, “Whoever got that first pick, idc if you need a Lineman or QB, Travis Hunter is one of one,” in reference to the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Hunter’s highlight was unbelievable, his entire performance was good enough to double his Heisman odds from +5000 to +2500, according to DraftKings.
After generating a 57-721-5 receiving line and tying the team lead with three interceptions as a true sophomore last season, Hunter earned consensus All-American honors as well as the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player.
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Hunter played more snaps from scrimmage in the regular season than any other player in the FBS last year, and if Week 1 is any indication, he’ll do so again in 2024.
The WR/CB’s non-stop dominance not only boosted his Heisman odds, but also solidified his case as a likely early NFL Draft pick.
The question isn’t, “When will Travis Hunter hear his name called?” but rather, “Which team will have the privilege of drafting him?”
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