When Travis Hunter introduced he was committing to Jackson State in 2021, it shook the faculty soccer world.
By no means earlier than had an HBCU landed a highschool soccer participant of such acclaim.
The landmark transfer resulted in Jackson State additional legitimizing itself among the many high locations within the sport.
“I recognize Deion (Sanders) giving me this chance of a lifetime,” Hunter stated again then. “Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities have a wealthy historical past in soccer. I wish to be a part of that historical past and extra. I’m making this determination in order that I can mild the way in which for others to observe, make it a bit of simpler for the subsequent participant to acknowledge that HBCUs could also be every part you need and extra.”
Hunter had presents from Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson along with Florida State.
Hunter, the two-way star with Jackson State and later Colorado, earned him the No. 2 spot on The Athletic’s checklist of 25 greatest No. 1 recruits of the twenty first Century.
Here’s what The Athletic faculty recruiting workers author Grace Raynor wrote about Hunter, who completed behind former Texas star Vince Younger on the checklist:
Hunter was a star on either side of the ball, taking part in cornerback and vast receiver on the highest degree for Jackson State and Colorado. Along with successful the Heisman Trophy, Hunter additionally gained the Chuck Bednarik Award (given to the nation’s high defender) and the Biletnikoff Award (given to the nation’s most excellent receiver). There might by no means be one other participant like him.
It paid off for Jackson State as Hunter was named an FCS All-American as a freshman and helped the Tigers to a SWAC championship and Celebration Bowl by his sophomore yr earlier than transferring to Colorado, the place he gained a Heisman Trophy.
