Travis Hunter takes a trip down memory lane as he reveals his inspiration behind pursuing football as a career
Travis Hunter has become the talk of the town, whether it's on or off the gridiron. With the limelight on him, the Colorado two-way star has opened up on his inspiration behind pursuing a football career.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel on Monday, Hunter was with his teammates, Kaleb Mathis, Jaylen Wester and LaJohntay Wester doing a Buffalo Wild Wings challenge, when he revealed who motivated him to play football.
"Who inspired me to play football? Definitely, my dad." Hunter said. "My dad played football. I used to go to his high school games, but I can't remember much of that. [Timestamp: 11:54]
"But I got a picture that he always shows me, of me, my grandma and him. I was on his neck when I was a little boy, he took me to his high school football game."
Hunter also said that since he comes from a football-playing family, he was naturally inclined to pick up the sport:
"My whole family played football. My cousins, they inspired me. I used to go out in the front yard, they used to be bullying me and truck sticking me. So, my cousins, my dad and my family inspired me to play football."
Hunter's father, Travis Sr., played football at Boynton Beach Community High School before joining the semi-professional Florida Football Alliance. He also had a brief stint in the Southern States Football League, where he won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2007.
Taking inspiration from his father and his family, Hunter is now among the frontrunners to win the Heisman Trophy this season.
Colorado superstar Travis Hunter in contention to win the Heisman Trophy this season
Travis Hunter is having a stellar season with the No. 21 Colorado Buffaloes (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) so far. His versatility is a key factor that is keeping him in the running to win the Heisman Trophy this season.
Hunter has recorded 20 total tackles (13 solo tackles), eight passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble as a cornerback this season. He has also added 757 yards and caught eight touchdowns on 60 receptions.
The Buffs have four more regular-season games remaining, and Hunter will need to continue his good spell if he wants to clinch the coveted trophy. Meanwhile, the Buffs also have an outside chance of reaching the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.