Travis Hunter shared a stunning admission on teammate Shedeur Sanders' 2Legendary podcast on November 5: he hates when he hears that he's not a top-five wide receiver and cornerback from pundits and fans.
"I just hate when people say I'm not top five at receiver, top five at DB," Hunter said (h/t Bleacher Report). "What are y'all watching? Every gameplan for the opposing team has got to be revolved around me bro. Y'all got to stop that. I've allowed no touchdowns this season, I'm locking up on every side of the ball, I've probably gave up like 30 yards this whole season... At receiver, nobody ever stops me. I went 9-for-9 last week. Who do you know that's doing that?"
Hunter, like Shedeur and his father, Deion Sanders, clearly puts stock into what people are saying about them. It hasn't affected their play in 2024 -- Colorado is 6-2 and Hunter and Shedeur are both Heisman candidates leading the way for the Buffs -- but it's notable that they're so reactive to it.
Nothing anyone can say online is going to convince NFL scouts. Hunter's earnings won't be affected by the public, and his preparation, training, and execution can only be influenced by a gameday crowd.
Hunter's above what anyone says. Amidst a stressful Heisman campaign, he's losing sight of that.
Travis Hunter projected to be a first-round NFL draft pick
Hunter is widely expected to go in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL draft. Draft analysts are certainly not in the group saying he isn't top-five at his positions.
That's the forest Hunter needs to look for. Not the hater trees blocking it.