Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter burst on to the national scene last year, earning consensus All-American honors in his first season with the Buffaloes. On Thursday night, he wasted no time reminding everyone that he’s a special talent.
Among those who tuned in for Hunter’s three-touchdown performance in a win against North Dakota State was Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who said Hunter is a no-brainer to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.
Travis Hunter one of them ones
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) August 30, 2024
Whoever got that first pick , idc if you need a Lineman or QB Travis Hunter is one of one
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) August 30, 2024
It’s been nearly three decades since a player other than a quarterback, offensive tackle, or edge rusher was taken with the No. 1 pick. The last exception was in 1996 when the New York Jets took wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.
But like Hill said, Hunter is one of one. Not only is he a full-time starter on offense and defense, he’s among the best in the nation at both receiver and cornerback.
On Thursday night, he finished with 132 yards on seven receptions and his third touchdown of the day was an outrageous contortion of his body that pushed the Buffaloes’ lead to double-digits.
OK what the hell is this catch. Travis Hunter is putting on a show pic.twitter.com/SmY2dZ5mGn
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 30, 2024
And yet, Hunter may be even more valuable on the other side of the ball where his coverage is so tight that teams rarely challenge him.
It’s hard to envision a scenario where Hunter winds up with the Dolphins, but it’s safe to say that Hill is a fan of the two-way star.