Deion Sanders drops 4-word message to take a firm stand for Heisman front-runner Travis Hunter after recent snub

Colorado coach Deion Sanders has backed his two-way star Travis Hunter to win the Heisman Trophy this season. The Buffs suffered a shock 37-21 defeat against Kansas in Week 13 on Saturday, but "Coach Prime" still believes that Hunter should remain the frontrunner despite a recent snub in the James Thorpe Award.

On Tuesday, Sanders took to his Instagram story and posted a list of all of the individual college football awards that named Hunter as a finalist. Coach Prime then aimed a dig at the Jim Thorpe Award.

"But the Thorpe tripping," Sanders wrote on the post.

Image Credits - Shedeur Sanders Instagram

The Jim Thorpe Award is handed out to the best cornerback in the country every season. This year's finalists for the prize are Ohio State's Caleb Downs, Georgia's Malaki Starks and Texas' Jahdae Barron.

Sanders also spoke about Hunter being snubbed for the Jim Thorpe Award in Tuesday's press conference.

"How is Travis Hunter snubbed by the Jim Thorpe award?" Sanders said. "You can have my award, you can have it back. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna give him mine. I ain't using it. It's just sitting up there collecting dust.

"Travis can have my Thorpe Award because if this ain't the most idiotic thing in college football that he's not a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award. He is, I would say, arguably, but I don't think it's really an argument about this young man being the best defensive back in college football."

Hunter is enjoying a fabulous season with Colorado and is considered by many as the frontrunner to win the Heisman. His versatility has been a key factor in putting him at the top of the list.

As a wideout, Hunter has posted 1,036 yards and caught 11 touchdowns on 83 receptions. He has also recorded 30 tackles (19 solo tackles), nine passes defended, three interceptions and one forced fumble as a cornerback.

Deion Sanders' Colorado falls out of College Football Playoff race after loss vs. Kansas

Colorado HC Deion Sanders - Source: Imagn

Until Week 13, Deion Sanders' Colorado was in close contention to qualify for the College Football Playoff. However, the defeat against Kansas on Saturday pushed the Buffs out of the playoff race.

No. 23 Colorado (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) will host Oklahoma State in Week 14 on Friday. The Buffs will also play a bowl game this season.