Shedeur Sanders threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns — three to Travis Hunter — and Colorado held off FCS power North Dakota State 31-26 in a hard-fought victory on Thursday night in Boulder.
Hunter recorded seven passes for 132 yards and the three scores, including a 3-yard touchdown reception with a defensive back hanging all over him, giving Colorado a 31-20 lead with 7:57 left.
Hunter was dominant on offense, playing 43 snaps on defense, logging three tackles, and playing shutdown defense at cornerback. Hunter will surely be a top-five pick in next April’s NFL Draft, and his dominance — not seen since Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey — have some debating whether that pace, snap count and big plays will translate to the NFL.
In a respectful Twitter debate on X, Robert Griffin III insinuated that Hunter would continue to dominate, while Eagles C.J. Gardner-Johnson said, “Not so fast.”
I respect your perspective! But bro we grown men here !!! Ain’t nobody going both ways and cooking grown men 💯 NFL A different game RGIII! I love the young guy great player but NFL is a monster!! https://t.co/lp5lwZX6S4
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) August 30, 2024
It’s been almost 30 years since a player other than a quarterback, offensive tackle, or edge rusher was taken with the No. 1 pick. The last time was in 1996 when the New York Jets took USC wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.
A dynamic offensive weapon, Hunter could be an even better cornerback. In a game where pass catchers are making $30 million per season, Hunter could position himself to reset the market at that position if he can transition without difficulty.
The questions are intriguing and will be answered a year from now.
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