1 of 4 | The Colorado Buffaloes’ extensive receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter attends the Heisman Trophy press convention on the Marriott Marquis in New York Metropolis on Saturday earlier than being introduced because the winner. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Miami’s Cam Ward have been the three different finalists for the 2024 Heisman. Photograph by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 14 (UPI) — Travis Hunter, Colorado’s two-way famous person who has awed followers along with his cornerback and extensive receiver abilities throughout an electrical school soccer profession, received the 2024 Heisman Trophy on Saturday in New York.
“I am shocked to be on this stage proper now,” Hunter mentioned after he was named the winner throughout an emotional speech during which he thanked his household, his girlfriend, his lecturers and his coaches for his or her assist through the years.
Throughout an on-camera interview earlier than he has introduced because the winner, he proclaimed that “I like soccer a lot. I can not cease shifting after I’m out on the sector.”
Hunter, the projected prime decide within the 2025 NFL Draft, hauled within the second-most receiving scores (14), fourth-most catches (92) and sixth-most receiving yards (1,152) via 12 appearances this season as a large receiver.
He additionally offered dominant play as a defender, receiving the third-best defensive grade amongst cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He obtained the highest protection grade on the place. He totaled 32 mixed tackles, 4 interceptions and 11 passes defensed.
Hunter made 57 catches for 721 yards and 5 scores in 9 video games final season for the Buffaloes. He additionally totaled 30 mixed tackles, three interceptions and 5 passes defensed in 2023.
Hunter obtained 2024 Large 12 Defensive Participant of the Yr honors. He additionally received the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile participant, for the second-consecutive season.
He was the primary participant in school soccer historical past to be named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s prime go catcher, and the Bednarik Award, which is given to the highest defensive participant within the nation.
The Buffaloes (9-3), who sit at No. 23 within the Faculty Soccer Playoff rankings, will tackle No. 17 BYU within the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 in San Antonio.
Colorado coach Deion Sanders mentioned final week that Hunter and Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is also a projected Prime 5 decide within the 2025 NFL Draft, are anticipated to play within the Alamo Bowl.
