Travis Hunter, the standout two-way player for the Colorado Buffaloes, is stirring considerable debate regarding his potential roles in the NFL. Speculation surrounds whether he will excel as both a wide receiver and cornerback, particularly with the Tennessee Titans eyeing him as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Urban Meyer, a prominent figure in college football and an analyst for “Big Noon Kickoff,” has a clear stance on the matter. He believes that selecting Hunter with the first overall pick is a straightforward decision.
“It would be hard for me to not take Travis Hunter with that first pick,” Meyer stated during a recent episode of “The Herd.”
Meyer expressed his admiration for Hunter, calling him a “once-in-a-generation player.” He highlighted Hunter’s impressive stamina and physicality, noting, “I’ve done some homework on him. We had him on our set [on Big Noon Kickoff], and I was shocked at how big he is.”
Meyer further emphasized Hunter’s unique ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. “On the 160th play of the game, he’s blocking guys 25-30 yards downfield. I know it’s college football, but in my lifetime, I’ve not seen a guy do that,” he remarked.
During his two seasons at Colorado (2023-24) and one at Jackson State (2022), Hunter showcased his dual-threat capability. He earned the 2024 Heisman Trophy, amassing 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wide receiver, leading the Big 12 in both categories.
On defense, Hunter, a two-time All-American, recorded four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 36 combined tackles last season, earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year title. If the Titans opt for a quarterback instead of Hunter with their first pick, the Cleveland Browns are set to select second, followed by the New York Giants at third.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders, Hunter’s college quarterback, is also in the draft conversation, competing with Miami’s Cam Ward, a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy, to be the first quarterback selected. Recent trends suggest that Ward has gained an advantage over Sanders, raising questions about Sanders’ draft stock.
Meyer shared insights regarding Sanders’ perceived decline in draft prospects. “I called a GM friend of mine, and he’s slipped a little bit. The reason is they’re looking at the competition he faced. I don’t know if I necessarily agree with that,” Meyer stated. He praised Sanders for his athleticism, live arm, and competitive spirit, despite acknowledging concerns about his performance under pressure.
“This year, the offensive line at Colorado improved a bit, but there are still worries about whether he can make tight-window throws. In the Big 12, he didn’t have to do that very often,” Meyer explained.
Last season, Sanders earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors, throwing for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while achieving a passer rating of 168.2 and completing 74% of his passes. His impressive stats placed him at the top of the Big 12.
Together, Hunter, Sanders, and the Buffaloes achieved a successful season, finishing with a 9-4 record and landing 25th in the final AP poll.
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