Buffs’ coaches excited for Hunter’s potential at cornerback, receiver
that’s our job to pour into them, to challenge Travis and everyone that’s in the Over the years, there room and support them have been some dynamic and develop them so that two-way stars on the gridyou can become the best iron for the Colorado Bufversion of themselves.” faloes. Defensively, the Buffs
Most notable was Byron are eager to pair Hunter “Whizzer” White, who is with incoming freshman arguably the greatest CU Cormani Mcclain, rated athlete ever. White was the No. 1 cornerback in the an All-american as a half2023 class. back, but also starred on At Jackson State last defense and special teams season, Hunter played in
(as well as in baseball and only eight of 13 games, but basketball) in the late finished with 20 tackles,
1930s. two interceptions and 10
It’s been nearly 60 years, pass breakups. ( For perhowever, since CU — and spective, only four players most other schools — have in the Pac-12 had at least had a player star on offense 10 pass breakups last seaand defense, but that could son). Hunter also caught change this year with the Deion Sanders (at Florida As a junior, he caught 137 18 passes for 188 yards addition of Travis Hunter. State), 1997 Heisman Tropasses for 1,746 yards and and four touchdowns. He
A transfer from Jackphy winner Charles Wood24 touchdowns. caught two of those touchson State, Hunter was the son ( Michigan) and forCU has a talented group downs in his final game No. 1 high school recruit mer Denver Broncos great of receivers even without with the Tigers at the Celin the country in the class Champ Bailey (Georgia). Hunter. Former South Florebration Bowl. of 2022, listed as a corA true sophomore, ida stars Xavier Weaver “He was not healthy last nerback. He’s also a senHunter has the same type and Jimmy Horn Jr. have year,” Mathis said. “He sational receiver, and the of ability to excel on both transferred to CU, while went through some injuries Buffs plan to use him on sides of the ball — and two of the best Buffs receivwith his ankle that he had both sides of the ball. might even be a better reers from last year — Monin high school and never re
“Travis is a unique player ceiver than cornerback. tana Lemonious- Craig and ally got back to 100%.” and he has great skills,” CU “I told Coach Prime this Jordyn Tyson — are back. If Hunter is healthy this cornerbacks coach Kevin when we was recruiting CU has other young talent year, the Buffs could have Mathis said. “His compethim (to Jackson State) and returning, including Chase their most dynamic twoitiveness is out the door. I watched him on film,” Sowell, and six incoming way player in more than
Him being a corner, he’s Mathis said. “I said the freshmen. six decades. In the past 30 a different type of corner. difference between Coach Still, it might be tough to years, several Buffs have
He’s really just a football Prime, Charles Woodson keep Hunter off the field on played on both sides of player.” and all these other guys offense. the ball, but not regularly
In the early days of colwho played two ways, they “When Travis was comand not as stars. Hunter lege football, it was stanwere more corners playing ing out (of high school), I has star potential on both dard that players would receiver. When I look at was well aware of him,” sides. play on offense and deTravis, I see Travis more said CU offensive coor“His skill level is just out fense. In fact, it wasn’t unas a receiver playing DB.” dinator Sean Lewis, who the door, especially when til an NCAA rule change Although rated as the was the head coach at Kent we’re talking about ball in 1964, which allowed unNo. 1 cornerback in the State at the time. “Highly skills,” Mathis said. “He’s limited substitutions, that country coming out of high regarded as just kind of a raw at both positions, recoaches could build sepaschool, Hunter posted eyegreat all- around football ceiver and DB, but his comrate offensive and defenpopping numbers on ofplayer. petitiveness, his willing to sive units.nal.fense.duringhisfinal“i’mexcitedtohavehimbethebestonthefield,the
Since then, only a few three seasons at Collins (on offense) and develop want to be the best on the special players have been Hill (Ga.) High School, he other guys that are around field no matter who’s out two-way stars, including caught 271 passes for 3,949 him and the full members there, that’s what makes current CU head coach yards and 48 touchdowns. of this offensive unit. And him a high-level player.”