A resurfaced social media clip from 2022 has HBCU followers buzzing, because it exhibits former Jackson State star and Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter predicting he would sooner or later be picked within the NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The clip, believed to have originated from both Hunter’s or Deion Sanders Jr.’s YouTube channel, captures a lighthearted second throughout Jackson State’s walk-through at TIAA Financial institution Stadium — the Jacksonville Jaguars’ residence area — earlier than a matchup in opposition to Bethune-Cookman.
When requested the way it felt to play on the sector, Hunter initially joked he “was going to say one thing loopy,” however after a reset, he shared, “Hopefully I’ll get drafted right here sooner or later, trigger you realize they may have a prime decide.” The cameraperson teased Hunter for disrespecting the Jaguars, implying their file would land them a excessive NFL Draft decide in a few years.
Watershed Second
Hunter’s signature smile and confidence are on show whilst a freshman. Popping out of Collins Hill Excessive Faculty in Georgia, he was the consensus No. 1 recruit within the nation. In a surprising transfer that rocked the school soccer world, Hunter flipped his dedication from Florida State to Jackson State, an HBCU led by NFL legend Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. His resolution was a watershed second in school soccer historical past. Showcasing Deion Sanders’ recruiting prowess by signing the nation’s finest participant to an FCS HBCU soccer program.
The significance of Travis Hunter’s HBCU expertise can’t be overstated. Each Deion and Shedeur Sanders, who performed quarterback at Jackson State, have usually spoken about how their time on the HBCU formed them personally and professionally. In quite a few interviews, Deion Sanders emphasised that elevating HBCU tradition and visibility was a mission near his coronary heart, and Shedeur has echoed these sentiments, crediting Jackson State for serving to him mature into a frontrunner. Hunter, too, has publicly acknowledged how useful it was to be a part of one thing greater than soccer — a motion that celebrated Black excellence and legacy.
HBCU Star
Hunter’s time at Jackson State was impactful each on and off the sector. As a freshman, he performed in eight video games, recording 15 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 move breakups on protection, whereas including 18 receptions for 190 yards and 4 touchdowns on offense. His versatility and playmaking means dazzled followers and scouts alike.
Satirically, though Hunter boldly predicted he would play for the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Financial institution Stadium as a professional sooner or later, he by no means truly acquired to play there in school. After returning to observe the week earlier than the Bethune-Cookman sport, Hunter was in the end held out to get well from an earlier harm totally. Jackson State dominated with out him, crushing Bethune-Cookman 48-8. Hunter would make his return the next week at Jackson State’s Homecoming sport in opposition to Campbell, the place he made a direct influence with eight tackles and an interception on protection, in addition to a 48-yard reception on offense.
After an electrifying freshman season, Travis Hunter adopted Coach Prime to the College of Colorado. He made historical past by profitable the Heisman Trophy, turning into one of the vital dynamic two-way gamers the game has ever seen. His journey from an HBCU to nationwide superstardom is a testomony to the evolving panorama of school athletics, and his prophetic NFL Draft assertion at TIAA Financial institution Stadium simply may be coming true prior to anybody anticipated.
