December 13th 2024.
Game recognizes game. It's a phrase that's often used in sports, and it couldn't be more true in the case of Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II. He knows what it takes to be one of the best cornerbacks in college football, having achieved that feat himself. But what he doesn't know is what it's like to also be one of the best wide receivers in college football.
That's where CU Buffs' dual-threat star Travis Hunter comes in. He's unlike anything Surtain has ever seen before. It's truly breathtaking for Surtain to watch the 21-year-old secure an interception at cornerback, then line up as a wide receiver and make opposing secondaries look silly in the same game.
As Surtain told The Denver Post, "He's a different type of athlete." And it's not just Surtain who has been amazed by Hunter. Many of his Bronco teammates have also been in awe of him. He's even considered the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year, alongside other talented players like Oregon quarterback Dillion Gabriel, Miami quarterback Cam Ward, and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. And with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, it's not hard to see why.
Surtain made it clear that in his eyes, Hunter is college football's unicorn and should win the Heisman Trophy. If he does, he'll be just the second CU Buffs player to ever win the award, following in the footsteps of the late Rashaan Salaam in 1994.
"The talent speaks for itself," Surtain said. "What you see out there on the field is a testament to how hard he works. He's going to be a top-three pick."
Before their game against Cleveland, Surtain and his teammate Courtland Sutton were given T-shirts featuring Hunter striking the Heisman pose with the word "He12man" written on the front. But Surtain didn't need a shirt to express his support for Hunter. He's been a fan ever since a friend told him about Hunter's talents as a five-star recruit at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga. Surtain looked up Hunter's highlight reel and was blown away.
"It was pretty eye-opening," said Surtain. "He's doing the same things he did in high school. It's incredible to see."
The two players don't have a personal connection, but Surtain has been in contact with Hunter through social media. They have a mutual respect for each other's game, and Hunter even named Surtain as one of the top three cornerbacks of all time on a recent podcast appearance.
"He's just a technician," Hunter said of Surtain. "He's so relaxed. He never gets rattled."
Despite the praise, Surtain remains humble and doesn't let accolades go to his head. But hearing Hunter, who is playing at such a high level, call him one of the best cornerbacks to ever play the game meant a lot to him.
"That's pretty cool, especially hearing it from a guy like him," Surtain said.
Now, as Hunter's name circulates in discussions about the upcoming NFL draft, one question arises: Should he play wide receiver or cornerback at the next level? Surtain and his teammates were asked to put on their general manager hats and give their opinions.
Surtain believes that Hunter has the potential to be an impact player at either position, but he leans towards cornerback. "At receiver, he has incredible ball skills," Surtain said. "But at defensive back, you rarely see it...It's very hard to find corners that can do the stuff he does."
Broncos starting safety P.J. Locke would draft Hunter and let him play both positions. "Why make him one-dimensional?" Locke said. "He can track the ball offensively, and he can play corner. Let him do what he does best."
Rookie wideout Troy Franklin believes that Hunter has what it takes to excel in both roles. And inside linebacker Justin Strnad, who aspires to be a general manager after his playing career, would start Hunter at cornerback while incorporating him in a limited number of offensive packages. He wants to manage Hunter's workload to ensure a long and successful career.
But for many of the Broncos players, the most impressive thing about Hunter is his endurance. Playing 100 snaps in a game is grueling, especially at any level. "I don't know how he does it," exclaimed Locke. "I probably have to hit him up on Instagram to figure out his regimen. I wish I had that type of stamina."
Strnad added, "I've been here in this altitude for four years, and I still struggle breathing. All credit to him."
It's clear that Hunter's talent and abilities have made a lasting impression on Surtain and his Broncos teammates. And as they continue to watch him dominate on both sides of the ball, they can't help but be in awe of his unique and exceptional skills.
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