Deion Sanders isn’t leaving any room for doubt when it comes to Travis Hunter‘s future in the NFL. The Colorado Buffaloes coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer has made his thoughts crystal clear: Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, should absolutely play both ways-wide receiver and cornerback-at the next level.
Sanders, who knows a thing or two about shining on both sides of the ball from his own NFL days, is adamant that limiting Hunter to one position would be a colossal mistake.
During a recent NFL Network appearance at Colorado’s pro day on March 21, Sanders didn’t mince words. “He doesn’t know any other way,” he said of Hunter.
“What else would he do, just sit there by the water cooler while the offense is getting their butts kicked, and you’ve got the best receiver probably on your team over there with the coach waiting for his turn to go back on the field?” It’s a vivid picture-Hunter, with his jaw-dropping skills, twiddling his thumbs on the sideline? Sanders isn’t having it.
Why Deion believes Hunter will redefine NFL roles
Hunter’s college stats back up the hype. The 21-year-old phenom racked up 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, while locking down defenses with 35 tackles, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. Sanders sees that versatility as a no-brainer for NFL teams. “Travis Hunter loves the game. He’s not in like with it, he’s in love with it,” he added, pushing back against skeptics who say two-way players can’t hack it in the pros. “Just because a person hasn’t done this in the majority of the NFL, don’t say what another man can’t do.”
Sanders even took it a step further, calling Hunter “the best, not one of the best” two-way player ever. With the NFL Draft looming in April, teams are buzzing about where Hunter will land-likely a top-five pick.
Sanders argues the slower NFL pace, with more huddles and less tempo than college, could actually make it easier for Hunter to dominate both ways. For now, Coach Prime’s message to the league is loud and clear: don’t draft Hunter unless you’re ready to unleash his full potential.
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