Two-way star Travis Hunter finds himself at a crossroads as the NFL draft looms. He’s all set to become a one-way star soon! Hunter’s exceptional talent lies in offense and defense — he can light up the field as a wide receiver or lock down opponents as a cornerback. However, this very strength presents a crucial decision: which position will he dominate in the NFL?

Now, this choice carries significant weight. It affects not just where Hunter goes after college but also how well the Sanders team performs in the Big 12.

This dilemma in Deion’s team is now highlighted in the July 19 episode of “Locked On Buffs,” where host Kevin Borba calls it a “Travis Hunter Problem” for Deion. “Colorado currently has a Travis Hunter Problem,” Borba states. “Well, I think Deion Sanders more so than Colorado.” He clarifies, “It’s not anything that’s going to affect them in a negative way. It’s more so are they doing what’s best for him?”

Borba also recognizes Hunter as an “elite receiver” and an “elite corner,” but the NFL demands specialization. To illustrate the point, Borba compares salaries and scope across positions. “The average salary for an NFL wide receiver is $2.7 million,” he explains, “The average salary of a DB in the NFL is 2.4. Okay average career length wide receivers have the advantage they just have an ability to have a longer prime.”

Now, Hunter’s talent as a receiver is quite undeniable. Even NFL Network draft experts rave about his fluid movement, comparing him to top wide receiver Garett Wilson. This praise is echoed by EA Sports, who ranked him the No. 1 WR this month. With such high regard for his offensive capabilities, is Hunter’s time as a cornerback ending?

Travis Hunter’s choice: Buffs defense or draft stardom?

Deion Sanders has a tough call to make! Coach Prime needs a defensive boost, but should he sacrifice Hunter’s NFL potential by keeping him at cornerback?

Last year, the Buffaloes’ defense was brutal, allowing a whopping 34.8 points per game. Even with a nasty liver injury that kept him out for three games, Hunter impressed! He got 30 tackles, 3 interceptions, and even 5 pass breakups in just 9 games, proving his defensive talent. Analyst Kevin Borba even noted, “So him taking hits versus him delivering hits play factor” when discussing Hunter’s potential shift.

However, analyst “Uncle Neely” on Thee Pregame believes Hunter can handle the hits better this year. “Travis has bulked up 17 pounds of muscle,” he says. “He’s faster, leaner, but bigger looking…designed to take hits.”

It seems the good news for Sanders keeps rolling in. Hunter might be a stronger defender this season, but the entire Buffaloes defense looks revamped. Deion recently announced the addition of Damione Lewis, a defensive line coach with a decade of NFL experience, to the coaching staff.

The defense also received a boost, with talented linebackers Nikhai Hill Green and Jaylen Wester joining the roster. Even Buffaloes edge rusher BJ Green has been touted as a defensive star for the upcoming season. So, even with or without Hunter at cornerback, the defense appears much improved. This leaves Hunter with a choice — what’s best for his long-term career?