Travis Hunter is the Heisman frontrunner?

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

They’ve split offense and defense positions since 1964. So you’re still looking at 60 years since someone was an All-American at two positions.

So whether it’s 100 years or 60 years, the broader point remains which is simply that you just don’t see guys capable of playing at that level on both sides of the ball.

Hunter’s been playing at an elite level at both positions and that can’t really be denied. That warrants Heisman consideration.

Consideration, yes. But we're talking about winning it. That's not the same as consideration.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Boise barely played anyone either.

The #1 undefeated team in the country (Oregon) had to beat them with a last second field goal. Boise held a lead in that game in the 4th quarter, and it was their only loss all season. You can't undermine that.

 

[Tskware]

A bit OT, but I am old enough to remember Barry Sanders in college + pros, and Jeanty is a really good back, but IMO, could not carry Sanders' jockstrap. Jeanty may claim the one season record, but will have played three or four more games to do it.

 

[UKnCincy]

I mean Ron Dayne won the Heisman and other RBs with way less stats than what Alshon has. He’s got 2,500 yards and 29 TDs on the ground (30 total) and his team is in the playoffs.

Hunter wasn’t the best at anything he did.

View embedded media

Are you aware that the stats in the Tweet you linked are wrong? For example, Hunter is 2nd in the nation in receiving TDs. It looks like none of the figures for Hunter in that Tweet are accurate.

In terms of his impact on the defensive side of the ball, he was good enough that teams avoided throwing towards him. He was targeted only 39 times this season. That’s third fewest among Power 4 defensive backs.

And despite being targeted only 39 times, Hunter was still 3rd in the nation in terms of passes defended with 15 (11 pass breakups and 4 INTs). Those are impressive figures for a DB.

 

[HeismaNole]

Plays in the minor leagues, was allowed to pad his stats against inferior competition all year. If Huter caught every pass like the boise back took every rushing attempt he would have been over 2500 receiving yards. But people want to pull for the little guy.

The Big 12 is awful which is how Colorado managed to win 10 games this year while losing to any ranked team they played and getting blown out by Kansas.

Hunter played nobody so that can’t be used against him. He’s a product of media hype. He will be drafted high but Colorado was a circus whose on field results were not worthy of the media promotion.

 

[HeismaNole]

A bit OT, but I am old enough to remember Barry Sanders in college + pros, and Jeanty is a really good back, but IMO, could not carry Sanders' jockstrap. Jeanty may claim the one season record, but will have played three or four more games to do it.

Barry Sanders is the greatest RB of all time so it’s not some slight to not be as good as him.

 

[HeismaNole]

Are you aware that the stats in the Tweet you linked are wrong? For example, Hunter is 2nd in the nation in receiving TDs. It looks like none of the figures for Hunter in that Tweet are accurate.

In terms of his impact on the defensive side of the ball, he was good enough that teams avoided throwing towards him. He was targeted only 39 times this season. That’s third fewest among Power 4 defensive backs.

And despite being targeted only 39 times, Hunter was still 3rd in the nation in terms of passes defended with 15 (11 pass breakups and 4 INTs). Those are impressive figures for a DB.

That’s a screen shot before the last game. If you looked at those stats and didn’t know it was Hunter, no way would you argue he deserved the Heisman.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Sorry, but you can't argue that Colorado's schedule was much better than Boise's this year or that it was a cake walk. He went off against the literal #1 team in the nation and they almost won the game. Boise State played and beat UNLV twice who literally beat 2 Big 12 teams in Kansas & Houston this year. Same Kansas who beat Hunter's team by 16. Boise whooped Washington State who also whooped a top half Big 12 team; and won their Big Ten matchup. One of the worst MWC teams barely lost to an ACC playoff team. SJSU beat an ACC team. So that argument just holds no water. The Big 12 wasn't much harder than the MWC this year. And comparing catches to handoffs is a head scratcher. Yeah, every WR in the country is going to go for 2500 yards if they get the same amount of catches as top RBs. But getting rushing yards is harder.

And he still isn't an AA on both sides of the ball and I dont think he is as good as the vol RB, who got his yards against the best defenses in the country week after week. Cant believe you bring up wash st as a tfough defense. It was Boise's defense that kept the Oregon Game close, not the offense. Hunter may not win, but he is top enough at his position on bot sides of the ball, if he was on one side only, either one, he would be the number 1 at that position.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Colorado only played 1 team in the Top 25 this year, and they lost that game. They are not in the CFP. Who did Hunter match up against this year? Did he face any elite DBs while player WR? Did he face any elite WRs while playing DB?

He's a great player and he's going to be drafted highly in the NFL. I just haven't seen anybody peel back on the matchups that he's had to make the argument for him.

The Heisman is a joke anyway. The one thing I don't like about the Heisman Trophy is too many times it is the best player, normally the QB, from the best team that wins. Also, a defensive player rarely wins. IMO Josh Allen was the most dominant player in college football his last year here (2018) and he wasn't even a candidate. He was held, double and sometimes even tripled teamed on every play and was still able to post these accomplishments his senior year.....

• Had a team-high 88 total tackles, 17 quarterback sacks, 21.5 TFL, seven QB hurries, five forced fumbles, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries
• Led the SEC in quarterback sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles
• His 17 sacks were the most by an SEC player in a single season since the NCAA started official sack records in 2000
• Ranked second nationally in sacks, fourth in fumbles forced and sixth in TFL
• Thirteen of his 17 sacks were in the second half, four in the third quarter and nine in the fourth quarter
• UK did not allowed a point on all 17 opponent possessions that he had a sack
• Consensus First-Team All-American (Walter Camp Football Foundation, Sports Illustrated, TheAthletic.com, ESPN, Associated Press, College Football News, Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News, USA Today, CBS, American Football Coaches Association, Athlon)
• SEC Defensive Player of the Year (AP, Coaches, Athlon, ESPN)
• First-Team All-SEC (AP, Coaches, Athlon, ESPN)
• Bronko Nagurski Award winner, National Defensive Player of the Year
• Chuck Bednarik Award winner, National Defensive Player of the Year
• Ronnie Lott IMPACT Trophy winner, National Defensive Player of the Year
• Jack Lambert Award winner, National Linebacker of the Year
• Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club SEC Lineman of the Year

The ten finalist that year were 6 QB's, 3 RB's and a DT who had less impressive stats than Josh had but he played for Bama.

 

[bthaunert]

That’s a screen shot before the last game. If you looked at those stats and didn’t know it was Hunter, no way would you argue he deserved the Heisman.

As a WR alone, yes, you're right, he wouldn't deserve it. As a DB alone, yes, you're right, he wouldn't deserve it. Although, those stats are not updated:

Receptions - 5th (not 6th)
Receiving yards - 6th (not 14th)
Receiving yards/game - 6th (not 14th)
Receiving TD's - 2nd (not 8th)
Interceptions - tied for 17th with 4 (not 29th)
Passes defended - tied for 8th (not 23rd)

But you can't discount that he's most likely going to be an All American on both sides of the ball. The fact this guy has a really good shot at being an AA on both sides of the ball is insane.

Should he win? maybe, maybe not. But to act like he shouldn't be someone that is seriously considered and has a real argument is crazy.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

I thought Jalen Milroe was going to run away with the Heisman after that Georgia game, but he and Alabama just weren't the same after that game. They lost to Vanderbilt right after and that took the wind out of their sail.

He was still in the conversation up until that terrible loss to Oklahoma.

Milroe probably needs to transfer to UK.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

The Big 12 is awful which is how Colorado managed to win 10 games this year while losing to any ranked team they played and getting blown out by Kansas.

Hunter played nobody so that can’t be used against him. He’s a product of media hype. He will be drafted high but Colorado was a circus whose on field results were not worthy of the media promotion.

And you think the kid at BSU isn't? The week before BSU beat Idaho by 10 too, RB are a dime a dozen, as long as you get fed the ball you will get yards. Playing on that awful blue field and wearing uniforms with the same dye number is such an advantage it should be illegal. But let's just wait till draft day, and let that day determine who is the best, a guy that is arguably the best WR and DB in the draft or a RB who may not be a 1st day pick.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Milroe probably needs to transfer to UK.

Milroe is thinking if Anthoney Richardson could be a 1st round draft pick when can I declare.

 

[HeismaNole]

And you think the kid at BSU isn't? The week before BSU beat Idaho by 10 too, RB are a dime a dozen, as long as you get fed the ball you will get yards. Playing on that awful blue field and wearing uniforms with the same dye number is such an advantage it should be illegal. But let's just wait till draft day, and let that day determine who is the best, a guy that is arguably the best WR and DB in the draft or a RB who may not be a 1st day pick.

He rushed for almost 200 yards against the No. 1 team in the country and barely lost 34-37. Meanwhile Colorado got blown out by Kansas and lost two more times to mediocre teams

That’s more than what Hunter can say as they played nobody. To me, the Big 12 and MW are no different.

We’ve had plenty of guys win a Heisman who weren’t going to be first round/day picks. Troy Smith, Jason White, Weinke, Eric Crouch all come to mind.

This isn’t about who will be the best pro. Hunter is not the best corner in football. I’m sure he will be a fine pro but his college production has not been the best of the best. It’s media hype driving this.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

He rushed for almost 200 yards against the No. 1 team in the country and barely lost 34-37. Meanwhile Colorado got blown out by Kansas and lost two more times to mediocre teams

That’s more than what Hunter can say as they played nobody. To me, the Big 12 and MW are no different.

We’ve had plenty of guys win a Heisman who weren’t going to be first round/day picks. Troy Smith, Jason White, Weinke, Eric Crouch all come to mind.

This isn’t about who will be the best pro. Hunter is not the best corner in football. I’m sure he will be a fine pro but his college production has not been the best of the best. It’s media hype driving this.

If you think the MW and the Big12 are on par with each other then its easy to see why you think a RB from BSU should win the Heisman,

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

But let's just wait till draft day, and let that day determine who is the best, a guy that is arguably the best WR and DB in the draft or a RB who may not be a 1st day pick.

Are you defending Hunter this much because he's a Georgia kid?

You know it's not fair to compare the drafting of a running back to anyone else these days. Saquon Barkley is in MVP consideration, but he'll never sniff the money that elite receivers/corners make based on attitudes surrounding the longevity of the position. Same goes for draft positioning.

Maybe let's see who gets drafted higher in fantasy football next season?

 

[Fox2monk]

That’s crazy to me and a product of media hype. How is it not Beatty from Boise with 2,500 yards and like 30 TDs or the Oregon QB?

Because he’s one of the best receivers and defenders in college? I mean we haven’t seen anyone like this since Woodson and he crushes his offensive numbers. Lot of deserving players but he’s like Othani, the best at both sides in a one side game.

 

[Fox2monk]

You can say that about anyone. The Boisi kid lost to Oregon. Beat Or St and Wash St. Was left in against weak teams to pad his stats.

I still believe playing on that blue field with the same dye nu.ber as Boise uniforms shouldn't be allowed, it's camouflage, you can barely see the players

I agree, I can’t watch those games, horrid on the eyes.

 

[Fox2monk]

"No they couldnt", even after I provide an example of a WR covering an elite NFL wide receiver, but it's impossible to happen in CFB. It doesn't happen because it is ignorant to risk your players like that, that's the reality. And a PFF article isn't evidence of anything. Their work gets affected by opinion and want-for-clicks all the time. Their DB grade for him is just laughable. He will be a mediocre NFL CB.

You provided one group of plays in one year? He didn’t play receiver and DB the entire year. If it was so easy more players would do it. You don’t think a coach would let a kid play both sides if he was that good and it garnered them a commitment?

 

[Fox2monk]

And you think the kid at BSU isn't? The week before BSU beat Idaho by 10 too, RB are a dime a dozen, as long as you get fed the ball you will get yards. Playing on that awful blue field and wearing uniforms with the same dye number is such an advantage it should be illegal. But let's just wait till draft day, and let that day determine who is the best, a guy that is arguably the best WR and DB in the draft or a RB who may not be a 1st day pick.

Whatever line you play behind determines RB success as much as anything. There are some exceptions but in general if you have no line you won’t be successful running the ball.

 

[HeismaNole]

Because he’s one of the best receivers and defenders in college? I mean we haven’t seen anyone like this since Woodson and he crushes his offensive numbers. Lot of deserving players but he’s like Othani, the best at both sides in a one side game.

But he’s not. He’s not the best at those positions.

When Bama wide out Smith won the Heisman against SEC competition, here was his stats

117

1856

15.9

23

Here’s Hunter’s against the Big 12

92 receptions
1,152 yards
14 TDs

Hunter has been overrated by media. The production does not match the hype.

 

[Eccain01]

Downplaying Hunter or Jeanty is crazy. They Both are deserving heisman winners and both are going in the first round lmao. Only one can win.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Are you defending Hunter this much because he's a Georgia kid?

You know it's not fair to compare the drafting of a running back to anyone else these days. Saquon Barkley is in MVP consideration, but he'll never sniff the money that elite receivers/corners make based on attitudes surrounding the longevity of the position. Same goes for draft positioning.

Maybe let's see who gets drafted higher in fantasy football next season?

Hardly, watch him, see the things he can do. Can shut down one side of the field, teams don't even want to throw at him. On offense his body control and the ability track and high point the ball is as good as it gets. Speed is solid4.4's probably sub 4.4. He's the best play in the country and I dont think it's close. First team AA on either side of the ball. Lots of people agree with that.

 

[TTU/UK fan]

You provided one group of plays in one year? He didn’t play receiver and DB the entire year. If it was so easy more players would do it. You don’t think a coach would let a kid play both sides if he was that good and it garnered them a commitment?

Yes, there's only gonna be rare cases because other coaches aren't gonna let guys play both sides, especially in NFL. My case was literally from a team running out of DBs. That's literally my point. And correct, that's exactly what I am saying. I can't be more clear about it. If Hunter starts anywhere else in P4 CFB he isn't playing an entire game on both sides. It's stupid to do. You're doubling the risk. And then if he gets hurt, you lose a starter and star at 2 positions you have to replace. Smart coaches don't do it for a reason. Everyone would be questioning Deion if Hunter had gotten hurt. But his goal was to have a heisman.

 

[Fox2monk]

Yes, there's only gonna be rare cases because other coaches aren't gonna let guys play both sides, especially in NFL. My case was literally from a team running out of DBs. That's literally my point. And correct, that's exactly what I am saying. I can't be more clear about it. If Hunter starts anywhere else in P4 CFB he isn't playing an entire game on both sides. It's stupid to do. You're doubling the risk. And then if he gets hurt, you lose a starter and star at 2 positions you have to replace. Smart coaches don't do it for a reason. Everyone would be questioning Deion if Hunter had gotten hurt. But his goal was to have a heisman.

He’s flat out a top tier position player on both sides. He earned it. He will get drafted very high and have a chance to make a roster on both sides if he wanted. Obviously in the pros they want one side for durability concerns, but he could play whatever they wanted him for. If it didn’t work out he can switch to the other
Position. He will have a ton of value.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

'We're not in good shape:' Sportsbooks brace for Travis Hunter Heisman futures to cash

With Travis Hunter likely winning the Heisman Trophy this week, sportsbooks are preparing to be big losers in the Heisman futures market.

www.espn.com

 

[TucsonCat]

Yes, there's only gonna be rare cases because other coaches aren't gonna let guys play both sides, especially in NFL. My case was literally from a team running out of DBs. That's literally my point. And correct, that's exactly what I am saying. I can't be more clear about it. If Hunter starts anywhere else in P4 CFB he isn't playing an entire game on both sides. It's stupid to do. You're doubling the risk. And then if he gets hurt, you lose a starter and star at 2 positions you have to replace. Smart coaches don't do it for a reason. Everyone would be questioning Deion if Hunter had gotten hurt. But his goal was to have a heisman.

If Jeanty plays at Miami, he gets less carries because they pass more.
If Jeanty plays at North Carolina, he gets less carries because no coach wouldn't share the ball between him and Hampton.
Only Boise State gave their running back 350 carries this year. Almost 20% more than anyone else.
Hunter shouldn't get penalized because no other coach knows how to use him. Because he wanted to do something unique and found a coach that let him do it.

Lots of good receivers played for teams that needed cornerbacks and visa versa. Not sure that they might get hurt is a reason to prevent Hunter from winning trophy any more than Jeanty ran the ball too much is.

 

[BigBluePap]

I mean, there hasn't been anyone THAT much better far as impact on the games he's in. I def understand the argument for Ashton Jeanty also. I don't know who Beatty is.

Warren? Ned? Who knows??.😂

 

[Eccain01]

If Jeanty plays at Miami, he gets less carries because they pass more.
If Jeanty plays at North Carolina, he gets less carries because no coach wouldn't share the ball between him and Hampton.
Only Boise State gave their running back 350 carries this year. Almost 20% more than anyone else.
Hunter shouldn't get penalized because no other coach knows how to use him. Because he wanted to do something unique and found a coach that let him do it.

Lots of good receivers played for teams that needed cornerbacks and visa versa. Not sure that they might get hurt is a reason to prevent Hunter from winning trophy any more than Jeanty ran the ball too much is.

That’s an awful argument lol and I think Travis should win. If Travis played for Ohio state he’d have to split targets with the other WRs they got

 

[bluedom44]

I've noticed that hatred towards Deion usually influences the reaction to Hunter. Hunter is a stud. The dude does things that you just don't see in football much. If you are doubting Hunter, then you're not likely watching any Colorado games, or you don't know anything about football.

 

[permdaddy]

Both are worthy of the heisman in any given year but only one can win it per year. Hunter will win and it won't be close. Lot of folks letting their hate for Deion cloud their judgement on this one. I hate it for Jeanty who had maybe the second best season ever for a RB but Hunter is the right choice.

 

[HeismaNole]

I've noticed that hatred towards Deion usually influences the reaction to Hunter. Hunter is a stud. The dude does things that you just don't see in football much. If you are doubting Hunter, then you're not likely watching any Colorado games, or you don't know anything about football.

I'd say that goes both ways. Hunter is hyped soooo much caus of Deion and ESPN. It's crazy that snap count is somehow a reason to win a Heisman .

 

[bluedom44]

I'd say that goes both ways. Hunter is hyped soooo much caus of Deion and ESPN. It's crazy that snap count is somehow a reason to win a Heisman .

You are totally diminishing him. The dude plays BOTH sides of the ball! And he excels in both! You hating Deion is ridiculous. Hunter is a dynamic player. The plays he makes are remarkable. There's a reason why Colorado football games are so highly rated. Get over your hatred of Deion and sit back and enjoy dynamic football play making.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Both are worthy of the heisman in any given year but only one can win it per year. Hunter will win and it won't be close. Lot of folks letting their hate for Deion cloud their judgement on this one. I hate it for Jeanty who had maybe the second best season ever for a RB but Hunter is the right choice.

Definitely two deserving candidates. I think the right person won. Its so unusual to see someone play both ways and do it very well you had to give it to him.

However I don't think he should've won the wr and the db award. I think there were better options for both those although he was in the convo.