Big Cat Country
Get to know the Jaguars’ new additions from draft weekend with our ‘3 things to know’ series
With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to reflect on how the Jacksonville Jaguars fared. Did rookie GM James Gladstone deliver a masterclass, or has he just set the Jags back five years? Truth is, we probably won’t know that for some time. But we can get to know the newest members of the team a little bit better. In the first of a mini-series of deep dives, here are three things to know about Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado:
Starting this mini-series with Travis Hunter is tricky, as he’s one of the most high-profile draft prospects in recent memory. There’s not much we don’t already know! But where else can we begin? In his first year at the helm, James Gladstone laid out some pretty significant draft capital to move up and get Hunter, alluding to the special talent that he is. So with that in mind, I thought we’d start with taking a look at some outlandish stats and accolades from his college career…
Let’s head back to the very beginning, where Hunter became the first ever five-star high school prospect (and #1 overall prospect in the country) to sign for an FCS football program. Partnering up with Deion Sanders at Jackson State, Hunter unsurprisingly made a big impact as a freshman despite playing in just eight games. Showing his two-way versatility, Hunter won SWAC Freshman of the Year and All-SWAC accolades after putting up 20 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions - returning one for a touchdown. On offense he amassed 188 yards and four scores - with 135 yards and all the touchdowns coming in his last four games. Hunter was named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman player in FCS football, and finished his short stint with the JSU Tigers as a conference champion.
So not a bad start! Of course, as we all know, Hunter followed Deion to Boulder, transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes and turning from promising prospect to bonafide star. Cementing himself as the most valuable player in college football, Hunter would play an incredible 2,625 snaps in two seasons - this, despite missing five games due to injury. The numbers are jaw-dropping as he played his part resurrecting the Buffs’ football program to relevance; 67 tackles (48 solo), seven interceptions, 16 pass breakups and a forced fumble on defense, and 171 receptions for 2,167 yards and 24 touchdowns on offense. Despite being at Colorado for just two years, Hunter left the school as the most decorated player in program history - collecting the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Bednarik Award, Hornung Award, Biletnikoff Award and National Player of the Year honors, as well as countless All-American nominations.
If you weren’t sure, then you are now - Travis Hunter is one of the greatest players in the history of college football.
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