Deion Sanders is issuing a warning for NFL teams interested in Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Hunter, the two-way star who followed Sanders over to Colorado from Jackson State, is hoping to continue playing both wide receiver and cornerback after being drafted into the pro ranks.
Coach Prime doubled down this week, suggesting that if a team is not ready to let Hunter play on both sides of the ball, it shouldn’t even bother drafting him.
“He’s gonna do that, or they shouldn’t draft him,” Sanders said when asked about Hunter’s future in the NFL in an interview with Rich Eisen on Friday. “Don’t do that. And I’m gonna make sure of that. Don’t draft him if you’re not gonna give him the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball. Now, you can be creative. He don’t have to do what we did with him here and play every snap.”
As a Pro Football Hall of Famer who thrived as a two-way (and two-sport) player, Sanders believes Hunter’s talent is too exceptional to be limited to one position.
Hunter, who has captured the national spotlight with his performance at Colorado, has consistently demonstrated elite skills at both wide receiver and cornerback.
“Now you can be creative,” Sanders added regarding Hunter’s potential NFL usage. “You don’t have to do what we did with him here and play every snap, but … let’s say he’s starting corner. He’s gonna have to be in your nickel packages … or spread packages on the offense because he’s gonna be probably your best receiver. And you’re gonna look like an idiot with your best receiver is sitting on the bench and you can’t get open, you can’t get the ball down the field. Or vice versa.
“Your best corner isn’t on the field and they’re bombing you right now — and he’s on the sidelines with you.”
In the 2024 regular season, Hunter racked up 1,192 receiving yards on 92 catches with 14 touchdowns.
He also recorded four interceptions and 11 passes defended.
His dynamic playmaking ability drew praise across the board, solidifying him as one of the most versatile NFL prospects in recent memory.
Hunter is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with Sanders’ son, Shedeur, Colorado’s starting quarterback.