“You’ve never seen a player like me,” Travis Hunter boldly told the Pivot podcast once. Apart from being a two-way player like his coach Deion Sanders, Hunter shared another quality of Coach Prime- his confidence. These qualities have not only set Hunter apart in the college football realm but also forged a strong bond with Sanders. Hunter has openly claimed to be his “favorite” teasing his three sons and is often found

From their fishing competitions to Hunter casually stealing Sanders’ hat, the two have grown close to each other. Hunter is also fond of raiding Coach Prime’s office and closet even taking away a pair of sneakers he received from NBA legend LeBron James. This closeness extends both ways, with Sanders stating that he would step in if the wrong team drafts his two-way star.

This protectiveness and affection shown by Sanders was on display once again after Hunter won the Biletnikoff Outstanding Receiver and the Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year award. Talking about Hunter on ESPN’s College Football Award Show, Sanders had nothing but praise and love to shower for the Heisman candidate, lending credence to their father-son relationship

“Hey, let me tell you something, man. This kid is not only unbelievable but an unbelievable person. he’s like my fourth son. I love him to life. He’s everything a coach would ever want in a player; as a leader, as a dog, he checks all boxes, and you’re rambling off all these awards that he’s winning, and I’m so happy, and I’m so elated and I’m so thankful that he does because he deserves every last one of them.”

Coach Prime’s elation can be felt in his words. And why not? Coach Prime was upset when Hunter was left out of the list of Jim Thorpe Award finalists. The award given to the nation’s top defensive back included Jahdae Barron of Texas, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, and Georgia’s Malaki Starks. Sanders was so aghast that he offered Hunter his own 1988 Jim Thorpe award.

“How? How is Travis Hunter snubbed by the Jim Thorpe Award? You can have my award. You can have it back. Matter of fact, I’m gonna give him mine. I ain’t using it, just sitting up there collecting dust,” Sanders said.

But finally, there is recognition for the uniqueness of his two-way star, a generational talent whose performances go far beyond the ‘number of snaps’ tag that people like to mock him with.

The Biletnikoff Outstanding Receiver Award is given to the season’s most outstanding receiver in the FBS. Hunter has 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 TDs as a wide receiver. Also, Hunter has won the Chuck Bednarik Award given to the best defensive player in college football. On the defensive side of the ball  he has 32 tackles and four interceptions to go along with 11 passes defended.

Coming to their close bond, Hunter has also talked about his dynamic relationship with Sanders. Last month talking to the media Hunter said, “We have that great bond. It’s like a father and son bond. I know whenever I need something I can go and ask him, and I’m pretty sure I can get it, 100% of the time.”

The two are often out fishing together and Hunter being competitive as he is tries to outdo his coach. In fact, Hunter was able to beat Sanders on his turf at the Lake Prime property in Dallas back in July. Back in August when Hunter stole Deion Sanders’ iconic hat, he took a jab at Deion Jr., saying, “That means I’m the favorite, huh?” When Deion Sanders responded to Hunter’s lighthearted banter, he posted something about him on Instagram. And our boy didn’t miss a beat to comment, “Yes, I get my own post.”

Meanwhile, after Deion Sanders acknowledged him as his “fourth son,” Hunter also shared his feelings about being accepted by the Sanders clan.

Travis Hunter thanked Deion Sanders

Travis Hunter’s historic season has been nothing short of historic, and his connection with Deion Sanders is at the heart of it all. After racking up multiple major awards, including the Biletnikoff and Bednarik awards, Hunter reflected on Sanders’ impact on his life. Before he got into that, the Buffs’ No. 12 started by acknowledging the 4th son tag bestowed upon him by Coach Prime.

Asked to describe his relationship with the Sanders, Hunter jokingly said, “

Like you just said, I’m like the fourth son. So, you know, I get the treatment of the last son. They always try to bully me. But, you know, I’m top dog. So, I don’t let them bully. But, you know, the relationship is definitely cool. I feel like they all my brothers, and I feel he [Deion] is just my father too. At the same time, I’m definitely excited to be accepted in the family.” 

Earlier this week, 

Hunter shared on The Pivot Podcast, “Coach, you changed my life forever,” calling Sanders more than just a coach but a father figure who’s been instrumental in his success. With one game left under Sanders, Hunter admitted it’s tough to think about the end of their time together. “We have one more game, and it’s going to be our last together. It gets you kind of emotional because it changed my life forever.”

Sanders, never one to shy away from the spotlight, has his sights set on Hunter claiming the Heisman Trophy this weekend. “

We got another award to pick up, right? Saturday, right? It’s going to be something happening if we don’t pick up that award,” Sanders said on ESPN, oozing confidence as always.

Whether or not the Heisman goes his way, Hunter’s bond with Sanders—and his electrifying two-way play—has already made this season unforgettable.