WATCH: With just 6 days to Heisman, Travis Hunter billboards light up Times Square as Colorado star makes his case strong
Colorado Buffaloes cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter captured attention in the middle of the busiest cities of the world. After an impressive season that saw him excel on both sides of the ball, Hunter leads the Heisman Trophy race by quite some margin. On Monday, the finalists for the Heisman Trophy will be declared, and then on Dec. 14, the winner will be announced.
On Thursday, the University of Colorado decided to give him more limelight. The Buffs posted a video where Hunter was displayed on an electronic billboard in Times Square, New York City. Phrases like "Travis Hunter is him" and "The most entertaining player in college football" were an upvote to his Heisman candidacy.
Here's the video:
Travis Hunter and likewise Colorado had an incredible season. As a wide receiver, Hunter caught 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. Meanwhile, on defense, he contributed with 31 total tackles (20 solo), 11 assists, 11 passes defended, one forced fumble and four interceptions.
Hunter's contribution, along with Shedeur Sanders' elite quarterback play on offense, has helped the Buffs register a 9-3 season while going 7-2 in the Big 12. Had they emerged victorious against Kansas in Week 13, they could have made the Big 12 title game and potentially a playoff spot too.
Nonetheless, the Buffs secured bowl-eligibility for the first time since 2016. They'll play their first bowl game since the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season.
Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders emerge as top players for Big 12 awards
On Thursday, Travis Hunter was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, while his quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Shedeur passed for 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions while registering a QBR of 78.1 (17th in college football). Colorado Buffaloes defensive end BJ Green II was named Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
Hunter is also named a finalist for the Walter Camp and Maxwell Awards, the Bednarik Award, the Biletnikoff Award and the Hornung Award.
Surprisingly, he was snubbed for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in college football.