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Summer Scouting Series: Football Scout 365 Analyst Brandon Lundberg shares his initial insights on key draft-eligible college football players in anticipation of the 2024 college football season.
Travis Hunter Overview:
While Colorado's 2023 season started with high hopes, it concluded with a sense of disappointment. However, Travis Hunter's individual displays consistently captured the spotlight throughout the year. As he gears up for the 2024 college football season, expectations are even greater for him as a versatile player and one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy.
Hunter originally considered the top high school prospect in the class of 2022, created a buzz when he changed his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State, showcasing the impact of then-Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders on the college football scene. Following an impressive season at Jackson State, where he excelled as both a cornerback and wide receiver, Hunter decided to join Sanders at Colorado.
In the 2023 season opener against TCU, Hunter showcased his two-way versatility by playing 150 combined offensive and defensive snaps. On offense, he amassed 11 receptions for 119 yards and also managed to secure an interception while playing on the defensive side of the football. This outstanding performance quickly earned him national recognition at the beginning of the 2023 season. However, a severe injury (liver laceration) sustained from a hard hit in the Colorado State game sidelined Hunter for three weeks. Despite this setback, his versatile talents were evident every time he returned to the field.
In 2024, Travis Hunter was selected as one of the top three cover athletes for the EA Sports College Football 25. As a prominent Heisman Trophy contender, there is debate among NFL Scouts regarding his suitability for the NFL. The question arises: Is he better suited as a wide receiver or a defensive back? Following a thorough review of Hunter's game footage from the previous year, here is my preliminary scouting assessment.
Scouting Report:
Measurables
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds
2023 Stats: 57 catches for 721 yards (12.6 average), 5 TDs; 30 tackles, 3 interceptions
Ceiling Potential: (Elite Starter Potential) Hunter has the potential to be an elite NFL starter with the right development and fit. His exceptional athleticism and football IQ provide a solid foundation for success at the next level. Given his current trajectory and skill set, he projects as a first-round pick with the potential to develop into a franchise player.
Playstyle & Scheme Fit: Hunter’s skill set translates best to a role that allows him to leverage his explosive athleticism and football instincts. As a wide receiver, he fits well in a West Coast offense or a spread system that emphasizes the quick passing game and allows him to use his agility to create separation and make plays after the catch. Defensively, Hunter excels in off-coverage and zone-based coverage schemes that take advantage of his ability to use his reactionary quickness and football IQ, where he can read and react to the football.
Player Comparisons: Travis Hunter has been likened to a range of players, including Marcus Peters, Deion Sanders, Charles Woodson, and Champ Bailey. While he is often compared to successful college two-way players who excelled as defensive players in the NFL, a recent comparison to wide receiver Garrett Wilson by NFL Network Football Analyst Daniel Jeremiah is fitting due to their comparable playmaking ability and similar physical build.
Key Strengths:
Explosive Athletic Ability
Versatility
Ball Skills
Where he excels: Hunter showcases explosive, fluid, and instinctual abilities on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver, he offers versatility by lining up both outside and in the slot. His quick release allows him to accelerate off the line of scrimmage quickly. Hunter's smooth route running and efficient movement in and out of his breaks enable him to find gaps in coverage, making him an easy target for quarterbacks. He has natural hands and excels at gaining yards after the catch, using his agility and speed to evade defenders.
Hunter's fluidity and playmaking ability stand out on defense, particularly in off-man and zone coverage. His quick feet and exceptional reaction time allow him to anticipate routes and make impactful plays on the ball. He also has notable recovery speed, which helps him correct positioning errors and disrupt plays even when caught out of position.
Key Weaknesses:
Tackling
Thin, Wiry Frame
Overaggressive in Press Alignment
Improvement Areas: In preparation for the 2024 season, Hunter needs to concentrate on specific aspects to establish himself as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. On the offensive side of the football, he should work on increasing his play strength to prevent being disrupted on routes and to boost his ability to make contested catches. On the defensive side, Hunter needs to improve his tackling in space and maintain better eye discipline to avoid being caught out of position.
Advanced Data and Statistics: During the 2023 season, Hunter led all FBS players in total snaps played in regular-season games. Throughout the year, he achieved 57 receptions for 721 yards and 5 touchdowns while playing offense, and also contributed with 30 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 pass breakups on defense. His exceptional endurance and versatility were showcased by his significant impact on both sides of the field, a rare feat in football.
2025 NFL Draft Projection: Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Hunter grades out as an early-to-mid first-round prospect at both WR and CB. He’s in contention for the top spot at both positions and has the potential to be a blue-chip prospect worthy of top-10 capital by season’s end.
Summary Analysis: Hunter is a unique talent with the potential to be an elite NFL starter at either wide receiver or cornerback. His exceptional athleticism, football IQ, and playmaking ability make him a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. With continued development and improved play strength, Hunter has the tools to become a franchise player at the next level. The question is, will it be as a wide receiver or a defensive back? I am leaning on him being a better long-term NFL cornerback than a wide receiver, but there is no denying his talent as a wide receiver, and he could absolutely be a two-way player in the NFL as needed.
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