The college football sensation Travis Hunter has a top academic interest at the University of Colorado.

It focuses on human behavior:

Anthropology.

Initially majoring in psychology, he made the switch for a specific reason.

“I’m an anthropology major, and I genuinely enjoy learning about diverse cultures and their interactions,” Hunter explained in an email interview with YSL News Sports. “Gaining insights into different cultures and skills is immensely advantageous to me, even in football. It teaches me the value of understanding and working with others, regardless of their cultural or ethnic backgrounds.”

This makes Hunter an intriguing subject of study in his own right – a stellar student and exceptional two-way player who stands out not just for his extraordinary athletic ability. He is also emerging as a business powerhouse who finds relaxation at home, often donning onesie pajamas and savoring his fiancée’s delicious meals, especially her cheesy chicken and shrimp-stuffed potatoes.

This week, as Colorado (2-1) gears up to face Baylor (2-1) in a packed game at Folsom Field, Hunter shared his insights with YSL News Sports on how he balances everything – from energy management to future aspirations, Heisman Trophy hopes, and a growing portfolio of endorsement deals.

What’s the secret to Travis Hunter’s success at Colorado?

To begin with:

∎ He occasionally energizes himself with gummy bears to sustain his playtime week after week. In his last match, he participated in 123 out of 138 snaps as both a cornerback and a receiver during a 28-9 victory over Colorado State, according to the team.

∎ When he’s not immersed in his primary “first love” of football, he often enjoys screen time. He mentioned that he takes all his college courses online and sometimes indulges in football video games for up to four hours each day. This helps him recharge and manage his schedule effectively.

∎ His love for fishing brings him joy. In Colorado, he frequently fishes at a friend’s private lake and sometimes goes with his coach, Deion Sanders.

∎ He receives strong support from his fiancée, Leanna Lenee. The couple got engaged in February, celebrating with paintball, ATV rides, and a barbecue.

∎ His financial success is also expanding due to numerous endorsement deals. He communicates with his financial manager weekly and recently announced a partnership with NerdWallet, a personal finance service, committing to save 20% of his earnings.

Hunter, who is 21, stated that this collaboration “has provided me with the tools to take control of my long-term financial future by putting my financial health first.”

Would Travis Hunter rather play offense or defense?

In an email interview facilitated by the NerdWallet partnership, Hunter answered this and other questions. However, one question stumped him due to its restrictive nature:

If an NFL team requires you to focus primarily on offense or defense, what would you choose and why?

“My ambition is to remain a two-way player,” Hunter replied, sidestepping the dilemma. “I feel that my versatility is among my greatest strengths, allowing me to impact the team in various ways by playing both offense and defense. I relish the challenge of mastering both positions and pushing my limits. If given the chance, I would aim to make a significant contribution on both sides of the field, supporting my team wherever they need me.”

He demonstrated this last week with a performance that Colorado claims could be a first in modern college football history – notching 13 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns alongside five tackles, an interception with a 38-yard return, and a pass breakup while playing 123 of 138 snaps from scrimmage. Nationally, he ranks second in catches per game (10) and touchdown catches (five). Off the field, he maintained a commendable cumulative GPA of 3.6 as of January, according to Colorado.

“I’m not sure how he manages it all,” said Colorado running back Micah Welch. “But he’s the top player in college football.”

What makes Travis Hunter so ‘omnipresent’?

After Colorado’s season-opening victory over North Dakota State on August 29, United Airlines leveraged Hunter’s impressive three-touchdown performance by airing a brief commercial on social media. The ad features Hunter in his Colorado uniform showcasing various roles at United: tagging luggage, directing planes, assisting as a flight attendant, and seated as a passenger.

Not only was Hunter described as “omnipresent” in the commercial, but his teammates were also astonished, questioning when he managed to film a commercial as well.

“When did you do this?” asked teammate Shilo Sanders on Instagram.

The advertisement was actually filmed on a smartphone in July at Denver International Airport. He arrived in his Buffaloes uniform, creating quite a buzz.

at the airport, he was recognized by many.

“We felt a natural connection with him,” said Maggie Schmerin, United’s chief advertising officer, in an interview with YSL News Sports. “His performance in a single game resonates with the hard work our staff puts into making each flight, among the nearly 5,000 we operate daily.”

Other brands are eager to partner with him for similar reasons. When asked what fuels his stamina during games, Hunter pointed out some essential basics.

“My fiancée is a fantastic cook; she typically prepares balanced meals and reminds me to stay hydrated, which helps me keep my energy up,” Hunter shared via email. “I sometimes struggle to get enough carbs before games, so I’ve taken to having a bag of gummy bears.”

Travis Hunter’s journey prior to Colorado

Hunter’s ascent as a standout player and commercial ambassador is akin to a well-trodden narrative, heavily influenced by his mentor, Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Both faced challenging upbringings and hail from Florida. Hunter was born in West Palm Beach before relocating to Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he lived with his family of five in a converted motel room, according to coach Drew Swick.

Swick recounted that Hunter’s academic performance dipped at one point until another coach, Frontia Fountain, offered him a place to stay.

“After that, Travis really started to thrive,” Swick told YSL News Sports.

Hunter recently purchased a new home for his mom and stepfather in the Savannah area, where his younger brother Trayvis is a sophomore receiver.

It seems to run in the family; Hunter’s father, Travis Hunter Sr., was a high school football and track star in Florida.

Deion Sanders as a guiding figure in Travis Hunter’s life

In college, Hunter has found another father figure in Coach Sanders, who treats him like a son and shares his passion for fishing.

<p“We discuss everything,” Deion Sanders mentioned during a press conference on Tuesday.

Hunter astonished the college football arena in 2021 when he opted to play for Sanders at Jackson State in Mississippi instead of following through with his commitment to Florida State. As the nation’s No. 1 recruit for 2022, he then transferred from Jackson State to Colorado once Sanders took the coaching position there at the end of that year.

“I have the best coach (Coach Prime),” Hunter expressed via email. “He’s out there coaching me and sharing new insights every day, and I truly appreciate having him as a mentor.”

Sanders also plays an integral role in ensuring Hunter gets the rest he needs to recuperate from his intense gameplay.

How Travis Hunter ensures he gets enough rest

Sanders provides Hunter with additional rest days early in the practice week. Hunter also adheres to a routine following his morning practices.

“As a two-way player, I prioritize recovery as much as I can and I’m thankful my coaches allow me extra days for that,” Hunter stated in his email. “I typically take a nap after practice before my classes and meetings and aim to go to bed early, although I sometimes get sidetracked playing the EA College Football 25 game!”

Ironically, that game was tailored for him; he is featured on the cover alongside Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Michigan running back Donovan Edwards. He has a strong obsession with playing it and mentioned in a recent YouTube podcast that it serves as a useful tool for studying football strategies.

“It lets you analyze any play you want to study within the game,” he shared on his podcast.

Travis Hunter’s aspirations for the Heisman Trophy

The EA Sports cover has also boosted his popularity, which continues to grow every week with his standout performances on national broadcasts. His team has played key games this season on networks like ESPN, NBC, and CBS, and this Saturday, they’ll appear on Fox.

After their last game, the impact of his increasing fame was evident when he signed autographs for fans who threw helmets and jerseys from the stands at Colorado State. Everyone wanted a piece of him to keep as a memento. Similarly, NerdWallet is promoting its collaboration with him by offering fans a chance to win a “sports relic card” that features a piece of his contract with the company.

Many consider him the top player in college football. If he remains injury-free, he could solidify that title by winning the Heisman Trophy in December.

“I don’t have personal ambitions,” Hunter mentioned after his initial game of the season on August 29.

However, the Heisman Trophy holds a different significance for him. As an anthropology major, he understands that achieving success requires collective effort.

“Winning the Heisman would mean a great deal,” he shared via email. “It’s more than just an individual accolade — it represents the hard work and commitment of my teammates, coaches, and supporters. It’s a shared milestone and a celebration for us all.”

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer.