Travis Hunter: The Two-Way Colorado Star Leading the Heisman Trophy Race
The anticipation is building as Travis Hunter, the sensational two-way player from Colorado, gears up for one of the most prestigious evenings in college football—the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Among four finalists who have captivated this season, Hunter’s multifaceted skills have made him a stand-out candidate.
Meet the Finalists
On Monday, the Heisman Trophy finalists were announced:
- Travis Hunter – Colorado
- Ashton Jeanty – Boise State
- Dillon Gabriel – Oregon
- Cam Ward – Miami
These athletes have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and resilience on the field, making their journey to New York something to celebrate.
Travis Hunter’s Stellar Season
Leading a double life on the field, Hunter excels as both a wide receiver and cornerback, a rarity in modern college football. In his wide receiver role, he boasts:
- 92 receptions
- 1,152 yards
- 14 touchdowns
As a cornerback, Hunter has further impressed with:
- 4 interceptions
- 1 forced fumble
- 32 tackles
- 11 passes defended
Such dual performance has placed Hunter in the rarified air of college athletes, marking him as a projected top-3 NFL Draft pick.
The Competition He Faces
Ashton Jeanty: A Ground-Breaking Performance
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has turned heads with his explosive running capabilities:
- 2,497 rushing yards
- 7.3 yards per carry
- 29 rushing touchdowns
His unprecedented speed and strength have ignited conversations about potentially breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Dillon Gabriel: Precision and Leadership
Leading Oregon to an unblemished season, Dillon Gabriel has recorded:
- A 73.2% pass completion rate
- 3,558 passing yards
- 28 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
- 192 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns
Gabriel’s leadership has pilot the Ducks to the College Football Playoff as a top seed, showcasing his invaluable presence on the field.
Cam Ward: Solid Stats in Turbulent Times
Known for excellent stats despite early-season tumult, Ward has secured:
- 67.4% pass success rate
- 4,123 passing yards
- 36 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Despite Miami’s struggles, Ward’s performance remains a testament to his skill, leading his team to a solid 10-2 finish.
What’s at Stake for Hunter and Jeanty?
Hunter and Jeanty each offer a fresh breeze in the Heisman landscape dominated by quarterbacks over the past years. Hunter, with his unprecedented stat line, could signal a shift in how wide receivers and defensive players are assessed in the future. Meanwhile, Jeanty’s exemplary rushing records can disrupt the QB trend by shining a light on the running back’s versatile impact.
Looking Ahead
Will this be a year of change where non-quarterbacks again find the spotlight they deserve, much like Alabama’s DeVonta Smith did in 2020? As this dramatic narrative unfolds, fans and players alike eagerly await the announcements from New York. No matter who takes home the trophy, each of these talented athletes has left an indelible mark on the 2024 college football season.
Stay tuned to see if Travis Hunter, with his dazzling display of talent and tenacity, can cap off an incredible season with a Heisman win.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/two-way-colorado-star-travis-hunter-headlines-4-heisman-trophy-finalists-234344064.html