Charlotte Yeskulsky | Head Editor
November 7, 2024
As the 2024 Heisman Trophy race heats up, two players from non-traditional football powers are drawing significant attention: Travis Hunter from Colorado and Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. Both athletes are making waves with standout performances, setting up an exciting competition for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Travis Hunter, a unique two-way player, has dazzled audiences with his play at both wide receiver and cornerback. Known for his versatility, Hunter has accumulated over 560 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and impressive defensive stats, including two interceptions. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball has drawn comparisons to past two-way Heisman contenders like Charles Woodson. Hunter argues that his dual-role performance makes him a distinctive candidate, setting him apart from others who excel in single positions. Keira Tuomi, a senior at SCHS on the flag football team, felt that “it would be much more difficult to put up the stats that Hunter does since he plays both sides of the ball.” She continued on saying “In flag, I play both sides too, but I couldn’t imagine being on the field for almost every single play.”
Meanwhile, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is putting up what many describe as “video game stats.” Jeanty has rushed for over 1,000 yards with an average of 10.9 yards per carry, reaching the end zone 16 times already this season. His explosive play has fueled Boise State’s offense and brought him into the national spotlight.
However, Jeanty faces an uphill battle, as Heisman voters often favor players from top-ranked teams and Power Five conferences, making it challenging for players like him to win.
Both Hunter and Jeanty are strong contenders, but they’ll need to maintain their standout performances to keep up with quarterbacks like Miami’s Cam Ward and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, who are also in the mix. Travis Hunter’s journey at Colorado, under the guidance of head coach Deion Sanders, adds another compelling narrative to his Heisman campaign. Sanders, himself a Hall of Fame cornerback, has praised Hunter’s relentless work ethic and ability to balance the grueling demands of playing offense and defense. This mentorship has not only showcased Hunter’s exceptional skill set but has also brought Colorado newfound relevance in college football. Senior Peyton Mitchell had her opinion on why Travis might be a step ahead in the race. “In the media, I mostly hear Travis headlining Colorado and this might be because of his outgoing and flashy persona.”
On the other hand, Jeanty’s relentless drive and consistent game-changing performances have rallied Boise State fans and captured national media attention. His determination to defy the odds mirrors that of past underdog Heisman finalists, adding further intrigue to his pursuit of college football’s most coveted award. As the season progresses, fans will be watching to see if Hunter’s two-way impact or Jeanty’s record-breaking pace can carry either to the Heisman podium.
Leave a Reply