With the 2025 NFL Draft within the books, it’s time to replicate on how the Jacksonville Jaguars fared. Did rookie GM James Gladstone ship a masterclass, or has he simply set the Jags again 5 years? Reality is, we in all probability received’t know that for a while. However we will get to know the latest members of the crew a bit bit higher. Within the first of a mini-series of deep dives, listed below are three issues to find out about Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado:
‘Unicorn’
Beginning this mini-series with Travis Hunter is hard, as he’s probably the most high-profile draft prospects in current reminiscence. There’s not a lot we don’t already know! However the place else can we start? In his first 12 months on the helm, James Gladstone laid out some fairly vital draft capital to maneuver up and get Hunter, alluding to the particular expertise that he’s. So with that in thoughts, I believed we’d begin with having a look at some outlandish stats and accolades from his school profession…
Let’s head again to the very starting, the place Hunter grew to become the primary ever five-star highschool prospect (and #1 total prospect within the nation) to signal for an FCS soccer program. Partnering up with Deion Sanders at Jackson State, Hunter unsurprisingly made a big effect as a freshman regardless of enjoying in simply eight video games. Exhibiting his two-way versatility, Hunter received SWAC Freshman of the 12 months and All-SWAC accolades after placing up 20 tackles, 10 cross breakups and two interceptions – returning one for a landing. On offense he amassed 188 yards and 4 scores – with 135 yards and all of the touchdowns coming in his final 4 video games. Hunter was named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the highest freshman participant in FCS soccer, and completed his quick stint with the JSU Tigers as a convention champion.
So not a foul begin! In fact, as everyone knows, Hunter adopted Deion to Boulder, transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes and turning from promising prospect to bonafide star. Cementing himself as essentially the most beneficial participant in school soccer, Hunter would play an unbelievable 2,625 snaps in two seasons – this, regardless of lacking 5 video games as a consequence of damage. The numbers are jaw-dropping as he performed his half resurrecting the Buffs’ soccer program to relevance; 67 tackles (48 solo), seven interceptions, 16 cross breakups and a compelled fumble on protection, and 171 receptions for two,167 yards and 24 touchdowns on offense. Regardless of being at Colorado for simply two years, Hunter left the college as essentially the most adorned participant in program historical past – accumulating the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Bednarik Award, Hornung Award, Biletnikoff Award and Nationwide Participant of the 12 months honors, in addition to numerous All-American nominations.
In case you weren’t positive, you then at the moment are – Travis Hunter is among the biggest gamers within the historical past of faculty soccer.
Humble
Okay, in order that’s the apparent out of the way in which. And except you’ve been dwelling below a rock because the draft, you’ll in all probability pay attention to simply how all the way down to earth Travis Hunter is just too. However hopefully there’s some tales on this part that you could be not have come throughout. Regardless of being labelled a prestigious expertise since a younger age, Hunter has at all times been in a position to keep humble, empathetic and compassionate – spectacular traits in anybody, however much more so when you think about the challenges he confronted in his youth. Battling poverty and homelessness, and with crime part of his household upbringing as is well-documented, Hunter has seemingly by no means taken a misstep. A credit score to his household and help construction, he’s extra well-known for his acts of philanthropy and thoughtfulness…
At each stops of his school profession, Hunter is famend for setting apart hours of his personal time to satisfy with younger followers wishing to satisfy with him for footage and autographs. While with the Buffs, Hunter participated in a few charitable initiatives, elevating greater than $10,000 for Kids’s Hospital Colorado – a trigger that’s near his coronary heart and a venue he has visited regularly. And maybe certainly one of his most understated gestures was to create a YouTube video with Henry Blackburn, the Colorado State participant who injured him with a late hit of their bruising 2023 rivalry recreation. Following the incident Blackburn needed to endure loss of life threats, and Hunter collaborated with him for the social media hit to curb these acts of hatred.
Because the draft, Hunter has gone viral (if he could possibly be any extra viral) for a beautiful change with Sandy Hawkins Combs on an airplane. Ms Combs, a nurse, had no concept she was sitting subsequent to the most recent Jaguars’ famous person – and, properly, the tweet above does the remainder of the speaking. A healthful second; Hunter is quick changing into the poster youngster for each aspiring younger soccer star in America.
Hunter-Gatherer?
Exterior of soccer, Travis Hunter has, like all of us, some uncommon pursuits. Perhaps certainly one of his most well-known hobbies is fishing – a pastime that he and his cousin have been having fun with because the age of seven. It’s a pastime he shares together with his former coach Deion Sanders, however Hunter is adamant that no one can ‘beat him’ at it. The competitors doesn’t start and finish on the gridiron it appears…
Different hobbies for Hunter are extra customary for a younger athlete. He’s a gamer, who usually streams his ps gaming by way of Twitch and TikTok. Social media is an enormous a part of Hunter’s life, with most of his actions filmed in a technique or one other, and he owns a wide range of cameras for his personal vlogs and YouTube hits. His fondness for style is as well-documented as it’s apparent by his time on the NFL Draft crimson carpet. He has within the area of 100 pairs of trainers (equipped principally by Nike), and is obsessive about onesies and large slippers. Hunter is well-educated, maintained a 4.0 GPA all through his time at school, and enjoys studying. His favorite e-book is a bible, which he takes with him in every single place, however his library extends past that.
We’ll end off with some extra peculiar needs and wishes; Hunter has confessed up to now that he can not reside with out child lotion and cleaning soap as a part of his skincare routine. He’s additionally an enormous snacker, with Cheetos, Doritos and bitter sweets a few of his favorites and filling his cabinets. And eventually, relating to meals, every little thing is drowned in Texas Pete’s sizzling sauce. So there you have got it! Hopefully you realize a bit extra in regards to the Jags’ latest star