Colorado Buffaloes HC Deion Sanders once again broke barriers. This time, it’s about breaking the stoicism and ego that go hand-in-hand with the coaching roles. But Deion being Deion often appreciates the talent. And as you are already aware, he has a soft corner for the Buffs dual threat, Travis Hunter. After all, he has walked the path as a two-way player in the NFL. So he knows what Hunter has to go through and thus stands as a pillar after the two-way phenom got snubbed by an NFL bigshot.   

Coach Prime’s army gets special treatment since they have been lucky enough to have a player with the two-way ability. Now hailed as one of the top contenders in the Heisman race, Hunter has been phenomenal this season. And his 2024 stats speak on his behalf, 60 receptions for 758 yards with eight touchdowns, EXCEPTIONAL, isn’t it? Hold on as more numbers drop in. 20 tackles with a forced fumble and two interceptions. But still, Hunter often gets analysts’ side-eye for his two-way skills. Finally, Deion had to open his mouth to shut the haters. Coach Prime follows the theory ‘If I can do it, why can’t he.’ So in an interview, he started with, “I did it at the pro level.”

Yes, that’s how Coach Prime wants to boost Hunter, letting him know that he has waded his way through the mud that the Buffs two-way star is in at the moment. That’s true. Other than being a two-sport star, Deion also played on offense and defense in the NFL, both as an elite cornerback and a talented wide receiver. His five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys marked the best chapter as a two-way player. Now you know the source of Deion’s confidence in Hunter.

Coach Prime continued, “So don’t tell me what can’t be done. I was playing 100-some snaps of the game at the Pro Level, so why can’t he?” Until then, it sounded like the Buffs HC always pumps up his players. But it’s Hunter, after all, something needs to be special. And here came the best part as Deion without hesitation claimed, “I was good but he is great.” That’s indeed a big compliment. But what made Coach Prime come up with a stamp of approval for Hunter’s two-way power?

The NFL legend who doubted Travis Hunter’s dual-threat abilities

Well, Hunter got snubbed by an NFL legend on his power to manage the pigskin both ways. On the St.Brown Podcast, the ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Richard Sherman seemed to be not quite convinced about the Buffs’ dual-threat power. According to the five-time All-Pro corner, since Hunter is less effective on both sides, at the next level he should be considering the cornerback position. 

“I think he goes as a corner just because receivers his size … he’s not a special size, super dynamic route runner…I’m sure if he focused on receiver he could be elite, but as a corner, he just looks natural,” came Sherman with his sharp analysis. Even before Coach Prime did, Hunter had to stand up for himself.

The Buffs’ two-way phenom dropped an eight-word response, “Stop speaking on me. Let me play football.” However, later on, on Deion’s initiative the debate got settled as Sherman justified his statement saying, “That’s what I meant, you’re going to blend into the crowd, but as a corner, it just stands out. Everything you do stands out far and away.” Naturally, Travis Hunter didn’t bother waiting around for Sherman’s explanation. After all, he has Deion Sanders performing the hypeman duties.