University of Colorado at Boulder cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter made history on Dec. 14, winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy and etching his place as one of the most electrifying and versatile players in college football history.
Hunter’s victory marks the first time in over two decades that a primarily defensive player claimed the Heisman, with the last being University of Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997.
“Winning the Heisman is a dream come true, but it’s also a responsibility,” Hunter said. “I want to inspire the next generation to chase their dreams, work hard and never let anyone tell them what they can or can’t do.”
However, Hunter’s contributions extended far beyond defense. The sophomore sensation from Suwanee, Georgia, played a pivotal role as both a cornerback and a wide receiver, becoming a key figure in Colorado’s resurgence under head coach Deion Sanders.
Hunter’s stats on defense this season were eye-catching, racking up 31 tackles, four interceptions and a single forced fumble, per ESPN.
Offensively, Hunter amassed 92 catches for 1,152 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, making him a tough matchup for opposing defenses. Hunter’s ability to make game-changing plays on both sides of the ball separated him from other contenders, including Indiana University quarterback Kurtis O’Rourke and Hunter’s quarterback at Colorado Shedeur Sanders.
Colorado Buffaloes football head coach Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders spoke highly of Hunter during the ceremony.
“Travis is a once-in-a-lifetime talent,” Sanders said. “What he’s done this season is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s not just one of the best players in the country — he’s one of the hardest workers and most humble young men I’ve ever coached.”
Sanders coached Hunter at Jackson State in 2022. After an amazing season, Sanders accepted the head coaching position in Boulder, Colorado, ultimately bringing nine players (including sons Shedeur and Shilo.)
Hunter’s influence extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. Known for his charismatic personality and team-first attitude, he has become a role model for aspiring athletes across the country. Throughout the season, he used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and youth sports programs, showing a maturity beyond 21 years old.
With the Heisman in hand, Hunter’s future looks brighter than ever. NFL scouts are closely monitoring his progress, with many projecting him as a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, should he declare.
“This is just the beginning,” Hunter said. “We’ve got more work to do at Colorado, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
At the club degree, Melgar began his profession with Blooming earlier than moving to Argentina, where he played for each Boca Juniors(1985-1988) and River
Plate(1988-1989). He additionally performed for Bolívar, Oriente Petrolero and Real
Santa Cruz in Bolivia, as well as Everton (VdM)
and Cobreloa in Chile. Nicknamed “Platini”, Erwin Sanchez was amongst the greatest Bolivian players of
all-time. He was a graduate of Tahuichi Academy.