"It changed my life forever": Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter looks back before emotional sendoff with Coach Prime

Travis Hunter has had a collegiate journey to remember under Deion Sanders. As a former five-star recruit, he decided to play for Coach Prime at Jackson State coming out of high school, despite having offers from FBS teams. Thanks to this decision, he has become quite successful as a player.

On the "Pivot Podcast," Travis Hunter was questioned about how different his life would have been without Coach Prime's influence. The Colorado two-way star elaborated on the importance of Sanders' guidance.

"I think I asked them this question like two months ago. 'What would we be if I didn't decide to go there? (Jackson State),'" Hunter said. "And I still don't know the answer because it's hard with me. When I first talked to him (Coach Prime) I was like I don't care who he is. I don't want to go there."

"But as I talked to him more, it's like, oh this might be the place I want to go. You know, he's more than just a coach. He's a father, like you said, I'd be out at his house. I'd be up at 1 o'clock then I leave and like the next three hours he'd still be up running around."

Hunter mentioned that he couldn't imagine where he would be if he hadn't joined Coach Prime's team, adding that he felt emotional knowing he had just one game left with the squad.

"I don't know where I would be," Hunter said. "I try to figure that out and I try not to think too much on it. Cause you know, we got one more game and it's going to be our last together. It gets you kind of emotional cause it changed my life forever."

After one season in Jackson State, Travis Hunter followed Coach Prime and his sons Shedeur and Sanders to Colorado last season. In the FBS, the two-way star cemented himself as arguably the best player in college football. Hunter is also the favorite to win the coveted Heisman Trophy this season, despite tough competition from Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty.

Travis Hunter helped the Buffs qualify for the Alamo Bowl while securing a 9-3 campaign in the Big 12. He also tallied a total of 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns receiving on offense, and 31 total tackles along with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense.

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Notre Dame HC names his favorite between Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty in the 2024 Heisman race

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is gearing up for the first round of the 12-team college football playoffs against Indiana. Amid the preparations, Freeman shared his thoughts and his pick as the winner of the Heisman Trophy this season.

On "Outta Pocket with RGIII," Marcus Freeman gave Travis Hunter his vote of confidence as the winner of the coveted award. He also stated that both Jeanty and Hunter are amazing players with exceptional talents.

"Both are amazing players. But to see what Travis Hunter is doing on both sides of the ball, it's unprecedented," Freeman said.

"To play.... not just to play but to like impact the game, I would vote for Travis Hunter."

The 2024 Heisman ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 14. It will start at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN from the New York City Marriott Marquis.