Two-Way Star Travis Hunter Becomes Colorado’s First AP National Player of the Year
Travis Hunter, the standout wide receiver and cornerback for the Colorado Buffaloes, has been named the 2023 Associated Press National Player of the Year. He is the first player in the history of the University of Colorado Boulder to receive this prestigious honor.
On Thursday, December 12, the Associated Press announced that Hunter secured 26 out of 43 possible votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, while Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote, finishing third.
In an email response to Pat Graham of the Associated Press, Hunter credited his teammates for his success. “Couldn’t do what I do without my team,” Hunter said. “So I view being up for these awards as team awards.”
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A Historic Season Under Coach Prime
Under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders, Hunter delivered a season for the record books. Offensively, he caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and set a school record with 14 touchdowns. On defense, he led the Big 12 with 15 passes defended, including 11 breakups and four interceptions.
According to CU Athletics, Hunter played an astounding 688 total snaps this season. He was on the field for 92.9% of defensive plays and 94.0% of offensive plays, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile players in college football.
Hunter is only the second defensive player to win the AP National Player of the Year award in its 27-year history, following Ndamukong Suh, who received the honor in 2009.
Heisman Finalist and Future Star
Hunter’s incredible season has also earned him a spot as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He joins Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward as nominees. The winner will be announced on Saturday, December 14, during the Heisman Trophy Ceremony, airing at 8:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Off the Field: A Bright Future with Adidas
In addition to his accolades on the field, Hunter recently inked an endorsement deal with Adidas. As part of the partnership, he will represent the brand in marketing campaigns and other initiatives, solidifying his status as one of the brightest stars in college football.
Final Thoughts
Travis Hunter’s historic season not only showcases his immense talent but also underscores the impact of Coach Deion Sanders on the Colorado Buffaloes program. As Hunter eyes the Heisman Trophy and continues to break barriers in college football, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what’s next for this two-way phenom.
