[Two-way Player Travis Hunter Makes History, Wins Heisman Trophy
The term two-way player has become everyday parlance in various sports when referring to greats such as basketball’s Giannis Antetokounmpo or baseball’s Shohei Ohtani, but it is incredibly unique when it comes to football. Only a handful of players have carried out multiple roles on the football field, like Devin Hester, Deion Sanders, and Julian Edelman.
Travis Hunter, the newly crowned Heisman Trophy winner, has proven to be the latest to excel on both offense and defense. Playing at both wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter has put together a year for the history books. He has averaged a barely believable 118 snaps per game, per PFF, with Hunter playing 709 offensive snaps and 713 defensive snaps.
Hunter’s unique ability to create an impact on any given snap has separated him from the rest of college football this season. He has led the Buffaloes in receptions and receiving yards with 1,152 yards on his 92 receptions, as well as a team-high 15 touchdowns. While doing this offensively, Hunter has also imposed himself on the defensive side of the game, with four interceptions and breaking up 11 passes.
Travis Hunter was named Associated Press (AP) player of the year, and also received the Chuck Bednarik Award for defensive player of the year and the Fred Biletnikoff Award for receiver of the year. Playing under Coach Prime, a former two-way player in his own right, has been a key factor in harnessing Hunter’s immense ability. Hunter has a strong relationship with Coach Prime and credits him for changing his life forever.
There are debates already starting about his ability to compete as a two-way player in the NFL, but Mandel believes in Hunter’s ability to do so. “I don’t see why not,” he said. “It would be remarkable, but he’s done it for 12 games a year in college and college football has limits on how much guys can practice – 20-hour-a-week limits. There are no limits in the NFL, so I think he could do it.”
Regardless of whether he will be able to succeed on both sides of the ball in the NFL is yet to be seen, Mandel believes that whoever drafts Hunter should be excited. “At the very least, you’re getting a guy who could be an All-Pro cornerback and that’s a big deal,” he said. “And you might be getting a guy who can also play receiver for you, you’re getting two players in one.
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