How Travis Hunter’s sensational two-way play earned him AP College Football Player of the Year

Travis Hunter seems to have made a huge impact within such a short time in college football. The Colorado Star holds many accolades as the first player in Power Four history to have ever played offense and defense at a level this extraordinary. Hunter was named the Associated Press Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to a first-team selection at wide receiver, further emphasizing his unmatched versatility and making him a standout figure for this 2024 season.

The record of Hunter is beyond all limits as the scattered 688 defensive snaps and 672 offensive snaps prove it. With this amount of workload, he is considered the most indispensable among the Buffaloes, who managed to feature in the Alamo Bowl to play against BYU because they ranked 20th in their division and finished with a 9-3 record. Hunter recorded 32 tackles, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups on defense, which made him one of the best in the nation in statistics. On the offensive side, it totaled to 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, making him one of the greatest really well-rounded athletes in the sport of college football.

His stats tell a compelling story: 53 first downs gained as a receiver versus just six allowed, and 14 touchdowns scored compared to one given up. These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re historic. "Coach Prime was the only coach who would consider allowing me to do what I’m doing,” Hunter remarked about his dual-role opportunities under Deion Sanders.

The trophies collected by Hunter during the entire period are evidence of his domination. He is also a second-time winner of the Paul Hornung award, and now Heisman Trophy finalist which goes hand-in-hand with versatility that is eye-catching nationwide. These awards include, among others, the Walter Camp, Maxwell, Biletnikoff, and Bednarik, among which Hunter is considered by many as the in-person favorite for winning the Heisman overall as it would follow the footsteps of the last winner of Colorado, Rashaan Salaam, way back in 1994.
“Couldn’t do what I do without my team,” Hunter humbly stated, crediting his success to his teammates. This sentiment reflects his grounded nature despite his overwhelming individual success.
Hunter's drive is fueled by doubt. “I’m motivated when people tell me I can’t do something,” he admitted. “That I can’t dominate on both sides of the ball. I want to be an example for others that anything is possible. Keep pursuing your dreams.”
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But even as he comes under the scrutiny of the NFL eyes, with Hunter assumed as a top-five draft pick from this year's pool, his legacy at Colorado is set. His transfer from Jackson State by Deion Sanders to Boulder appears justified, not only in terms of performances but also about the history he is creating in the game. Be it offense or defense, Hunter is showing that barriers are to be broken in football-and he is just getting started.