Travis Hunter’s journey in college football has been anything but conventional. The former No. 1 recruit shocked the world when he chose an HBCU over powerhouse programs, forging a path that was both unprecedented and historic. Now, as he stands on the precipice of the NFL Draft, Hunter continues to credit Deion Sanders for shaping his trajectory.
From the moment Sanders convinced Hunter to flip his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State, it was clear their relationship was deeper than just coach and player. At the NFL Combine, Hunter openly spoke about the profound influence that Coach Prime has had on his life, referring to him as a “father figure.”
A bond that goes beyond football
When asked about his relationship with Sanders during the Combine, Hunter made it clear that their connection extends beyond the field. “It’s a lot that [Coach Prime] has done for me outside of football,” Hunter said. “He’s like a father figure to me. I can go to him for anything.”
This is not the first time Hunter has expressed such sentiments. During an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, he reflected on his journey and the role Sanders has played. “I think I asked him this question like two months ago. I said, ‘What would we be if I didn’t decide to go [to Jackson State]?’ I still don’t know the answer,” he admitted. “He’s more than just a coach. He’s a father…I don’t know where I would be without him.”
Hunter’s decision to follow Sanders to Colorado only reinforced their bond. Even with the pressures of transitioning to a Power Five program, he remained steadfast in his trust in Sanders, knowing that Coach Prime’s vision for him extended beyond the collegiate level.
Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders: A competitive brotherhood
Beyond his relationship with Deion, Hunter also shares a deep connection with Shedeur Sanders. Their time together has been marked by fierce competition and mutual growth. “We’re competitive, you know. We want to see each other win,” Hunter said. “We’re probably the hardest on each other because we know what we can do.”
As they both prepare for the next chapter in their careers, Hunter and Shedeur will no longer share the same sideline. However, their impact on each other’s development is undeniable. While Deion Sanders has been a guiding force in Hunter’s life, his bond with Shedeur has also been instrumental in pushing him to reach his full potential.
As Hunter gets ready for the NFL, one thing is certain-his gratitude for Coach Prime will never waver. Their story is far from over, and Sanders‘ influence on Hunter’s career will likely continue well beyond his college days.
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