BOULDER – Travis Hunter is a finalist for the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Biletnikoff Award, Paul Hornung Award and Bendarik Award.

But CU Buffs coach Deion Sanders was more confused — and sounded hurt — about a major award for which Hunter was not a finalist: the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football.

“How does Travis Hunter get snubbed by the Jim Thorpe Award?” asked Coach Prime, who won the award at Florida State. “You can have my award. You can have it back. In fact, I’ll give him mine. I don’t use it. It just sits there collecting dust.”

Hunter, a two-way junior who regularly plays more than 120 snaps per game on both sides of the ball, leads CU in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (nine) from the cornerback position.

In 20 games with the Buffs, the 6-foot-2 Hunter has collected six interceptions and 14 passes broken up.

The Thorpe finalists were Texas CB Jahdae Barron, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

“Whoever votes there, whoever brings it home, thank you,” Sanders continued. “Because I don’t even want mine right now. Health.”

In other CU news, Sanders said Hunter and his son Shedeur Sanders will play in a CU bowl game, even if the postseason appearance is not part of the College Football Playoff.

“No, (Friday is) not the last time you will see her in a Buffs uniform,” Coach Prime said. “We’re going to go to a bowl game and end this thing on the right note.”

Additionally, Sanders said he expects wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., cornerback Isaiah Hardge and defensive lineman Shane Cokes to play against Oklahoma State, but said tackle Phillip Houston and defensive lineman Amari McNeil will likely miss out.

Originally published: November 26, 2024 at 12:47 pm MST