By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-17 02:01:21 | Updated at 2024-11-17 04:24:29
2 hours ago
The University of Colorado's star wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter continues to put up highlight play after highlight play, week in and week out, as he aims for college football's top honor.
Hunter is one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy - given to the top college football player in the nation.
On Saturday, against the rival University of Utah, he may have produced a so-called 'Heisman moment' early in the game.
Up 14-6, but facing a 4th and 8, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders uncorked a deep ball in Hunter's direction.
The receiver out-jumped his defender and absorbed a hit from Utah's cornerback in front of him, plus a Utah safety behind him.
Somehow, he was able to hold on to the football and came down with it - setting up a 1st and Goal.
Travis Hunter made a miraculous circus catch in a victory over rivals Utah on Saturday
Hunter managed to hang on to the ball after being hit from the front and behind by defenders
The internet lost its collective mind at the display, with many posting on social media praising the receiver for the spectacular play.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Field Yates tweeted the video of the play, commenting, 'Travis Hunter. Every single week.'
Another user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote, 'Travis Hunter is the Best Football Player I ever seen. How did he catch this?'
The Athletic's David Ubben called him a 'Legit generational talent', while another user screamed, 'GIVE HIM THE HEISMAN ALREADY.'
'Travis hunter is a top 2 wr in college football while being a top 2 db in college football lmao if he doesn't win the heisman its rigged,' said another user.
Statistically, Hunter is only 12th in the country in receiving yards and is tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns. Additionally, he has only defended seven passes all season long - but has two interceptions to his name.
He faces a tough Heisman challenge from Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty - who already has more rushing yards and rushing touchdowns than two of the last three running backs to take home the award (Reggie Bush in 2005 and Mark Ingram in 2009).
But a common mark against Jeanty is that his school doesn't consistently play against tough schools like Hunter does. Additionally, Hunter now has a bonafide highlight play - which has proven to be a factor.
Hunter and Colorado are all smiles going into the final two games of the season, sitting at 8-2
The Buffaloes of Colorado were able to put their foot on the gas to beat Utah 49-24 to move to 8-2 on the season.
That even caught the attention of NBA legend LeBron James, who tweeted, 'I don’t hear non of those @CUBuffsFootball @DeionSanders HATERS being up front and loud! They’re in hiding now! [laughing emojis] Coach Prime said “We Coming”. Well it’s “We Here” now. Love what’s going on there in Boulder.'
Colorado now sits at 8-2 on the season and has an outside shot of making the College Football Playoff if things go their way.
They next play on the road against the University of Kansas next Saturday.
