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When Colorado needed him the most, Travis Hunter stepped up and made one spectacular play after another on the offensive side of the ball. Hunter played a total of 129 snaps, showcasing his durability and versatility in the season opener.
Our Initial Summer Scouting Report
Travis Hunter entered the 2024 season as one of the most highly anticipated NFL Draft prospects in college football. His rare combination of explosive athleticism, football instincts, and versatility on both sides of the ball made him a standout in scouting circles. Hunter's skill set is well-suited for a role that leverages his agility and quickness, whether as a wide receiver in a West Coast or spread offense or as a defensive back in zone-based coverage schemes.
Hunter Shined On The Offensive Side Of The Football
Against the Bison, Hunter was targeted nine times, catching seven passes for an average of 18.9 yards per reception. His longest reception of the day was a 41-yard touchdown, which exemplified his ability to stretch the field and make plays in critical situations.
Hunter’s receiving performance was a highlight reel showcasing his elite ball skills and body control. His ability to make contested catches when completely covered is one of his top traits on the offensive side of the football and a major reason why NFL scouts may start to consider him more as a receiver than a DB at the NFL level.
Receiving Breakdown:
1st Quarter: Hunter caught a 41-yard touchdown pass, demonstrating his deep-threat ability and connection with QB Shedeur Sanders.
2nd Quarter: He had key receptions, including a 16-yard catch on 3rd and 4, showing his reliability on crucial downs.
3rd Quarter: Another deep reception of 40 yards set up a touchdown, and he capped the drive with a 13-yard touchdown catch.
4th Quarter: Hunter secured a 13-yard reception on 3rd and 10, followed by a 3-yard touchdown on 3rd and goal.
Hunter's route running was effective across all levels of the field:
These statistics underscore his ability to impact the game across different route depths, with a particularly strong performance on short routes, where he excelled at gaining yards after the catch (12.2 YAC/REC).
Deep Routes (20+ yards): 66.7% catch rate, 53 yards, 26.6 YPR, 1 TD
Medium Routes (10-19 yards): 66.7% catch rate, 29 yards, 14.5 YPR
Short Routes (0-9 yards): 100% catch rate, 50 yards, 16.8 YPR
On the Defensive Side of the Football
Defensively, Hunter was equally impactful, showing the same versatility and athleticism that makes him an elite prospect. Lining up primarily at cornerback, he recorded three tackles and allowed just three receptions on three targets, holding the opposition to 18 yards.
Hunter's coverage was particularly effective in off-man and zone schemes, where he used his quick reaction time to limit yards after the catch. His recovery speed was on display, allowing him to close gaps quickly and prevent big plays.
Final Analysis: Travis Hunter Could Be The Top WR In College Football in 2024
Travis Hunter's performance in Week One reinforced his status as one of the most dynamic players in college football. His performance on the offensive side of the football reminded me of what Daniel Jeremiah said during the summer scouting period when he compared Hunter to former Ohio State and now Jets WR Garrett Wilson, highlighting his WR1 potential in the 2025 NFL Draft. We still have a long way to go, but his ability to dominate on both sides of the ball will continue to keep a lot of scouts conflicted. I believe he is a really great cornerback who can translate to the NFL and be elite, but he might be an even better wide receiver.
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