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Watch: Colorado WR Travis Hunter scores touchdown on first catch of 2024
Travis Hunter. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Colorado WR Travis Hunter scores touchdown on first catch of 2024

It's safe to say Colorado star Travis Hunter is ready for the 2024 college football season. 

In Thursday's season opener against North Dakota State, Hunter didn't wait long to show how dangerous he can be. The standout junior opened the scoring for the Buffaloes early in the first quarter, turning a short completion into a 41-yard touchdown.  

Hunter showcased the skill set that makes him arguably Colorado's best player in just one play, including sure hands, agility, speed and intelligence, which allowed him to transform what looked like a minimal gain into points. However, it shouldn't come as a surprise, considering he notched 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns last season, his first with the Buffaloes.

Meanwhile, Hunter's impact will be felt on the other side of the field as well. A two-way phenom, he's expected to again be a lockdown specialist at cornerback for Colorado after recording 22 solo tackles, five pass defenses and three interceptions in 2023.

One of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter will eventually have to choose whether to play wideout or cornerback at the pro level. Both options have pros and cons, but many, like NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah, believe the receiver position suits him best.

"He has every tool needed to develop into a No. 1 wideout," Jeremiah wrote. "Quite simply, this guy's at his best on a football field when the ball is in his hands." 

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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