“A father figure”: Travis Hunter acknowledges the pivotal role Deion Sanders played in his development, terming him a guiding light

Travis Hunter's college football experience has been exceptional, as he became the first to choose an HBCU over powerhouses. Flipping from Florida State to Jackson State, following encouragement from Deion Sanders, made their strong connection more than a coach-player relationship. As he nears the NFL Draft, Hunter still owes credit to Sanders for his career, even dubbing him a "father figure" during remarks at the NFL Combine.

Travis Hunter credits Deion Sanders for his career

Travis Hunter’s path through college football has been anything but ordinary. As the top-ranked recruit, he made headlines by choosing an HBCU over traditional powerhouse programs, setting a historic precedent. Now, with the NFL Draft approaching, Hunter continues to acknowledge the pivotal role Deion Sanders played in his development.


Hunter's choice to decommit from Florida State and sign with Jackson State was largely swayed by Sanders, demonstrating a relationship that went deeper than the sport. In speaking at the NFL Combine, he spoke lavishly about Coach Prime's mentorship, terming him a guiding light and father figure in his life.

Hunter revealed that their relationship with Sanders extends beyond the field during the Combine. "It's a lot that [Coach Prime] has done for me outside of football," Hunter said. "He's like a father figure to me. I can go to him for anything."

Hunter has shared these feelings before. On The Pivot Podcast, he looked back on his journey and discussed the significant impact Sanders has had on his life. "I think I asked him this question like two months ago. I said, 'What would we be if I didn't decide to go [to Jackson State]?' I still don't know the answer," he admitted. "He's more than just a coach. He's a father...I don't know where I would be without him."


Hunter's decision to join Sanders in Colorado strengthened their bond, despite the pressures of transitioning to a Power Five program, as he trusted Sanders and knew Coach Prime's vision extended beyond collegiate level. Hunter also has a strong bond with Sheduer Sanders that has been marked by intense competition and mutual growth. "We're competitive, you know. We want to see each other win," Hunter said. "We're probably the hardest on each other because we know what we can do."

Also Read: “An exceptional talent”: Travis Hunter already winning over NFL coaches and executives as a viable two-way player

As Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders move forward in their careers, they will no longer play side by side, but their influence on each other remains significant. While Deion Sanders has been a key mentor in Hunter’s journey, his connection with Shedeur has also driven him to improve. As Hunter prepares for the NFL, his appreciation for Coach Prime remains strong, and Sanders' impact on his career will likely extend well into the future.