Travis Hunter has quickly thrust himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation with standout performances on both sides of the ball this season. His dynamic play has drawn comparisons to his head coach, Deion Sanders, who was a legendary figure in college football during his playing days.
However, Sanders is not interested in framing Hunter’s accomplishments as a reflection of his career. Instead, he sees this as Hunter’s time to shine, a moment he fully supports without comparison.
“It’s not me against Travis,” Sanders said during Tuesday’s press conference. “It was my turn, man. I’m not a doorknob anymore. You can’t turn me on and off like a light switch anymore. I don’t do that. Travis is everything. He’s ‘it’.” Now it’s his turn, I want him to get all the accolades, all the praise, all the love, all the attention, and all the focus he desires.
A former Thorpe Award winner and Hall of Famer, Sanders spoke of his career with a sense of accomplishment. His main focus now is to use his vast knowledge to advance Hunter’s game and ensure that his student can reach his full potential.
Sanders likened himself to an experienced boxing coach, someone who gives tactical advice from the corner rather than getting into the ring. “I’m that old boxing coach sitting in the corner who says, ‘Left. right. left. right. Hit it here. Come to the corner. Let me tell you this.’ This is who I am now, it was my turn.
As Hunter continues to excel, he is positioning himself to lead Colorado to a Big 12 Championship and perhaps a spot in the College Football Playoff. This weekend’s showdown against Kansas State in Boulder is crucial. It represents a high-stakes moment not only for the team but also for Hunter’s Heisman campaign. With the team having two weeks to prepare, expectations are high.
Hunter has already captured the nation’s attention with his play, but this game may be the moment that sets him apart from other Heisman contenders. His ability to rise to the occasion will be crucial, and as Coach Prime says, “The stars shine brighter at night.” Saturday at the foot of the flatiron could be the time for Hunter to make his biggest statement yet.
