Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado football, recently spoke with NFL scouts regarding Travis Hunter.

The conversation centered on Hunter’s capabilities. Can he replicate his college success in the NFL?

Specifically, is he able to contribute on both offense and defense at the professional level without needing substantial rest?

In the recent 28-9 victory against Colorado State, Hunter recorded 13 receptions for 100 yards and scored two touchdowns offensively. Defensively, he made five tackles, had an interception that he returned for 38 yards, and broke up a pass. He was on the field for 123 of 138 plays from scrimmage, as per Colorado’s stats.

Next, Hunter and the Buffaloes, currently at 2-1, will face Baylor, also at 2-1, at home this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, airing on Fox.

Sanders expressed confidence in Hunter’s ability to thrive in the professional arena on both sides of the field.

“He has all the makings to be an outstanding pro,” Sanders stated during a press conference in Boulder.

Deion Sanders’ Insights

Champ Bailey from Georgia and Charles Woodson from Michigan also demonstrated dual capabilities in college but primarily focused on one position in the NFL, eventually becoming Hall of Famers as defensive backs while also returning punts.

According to Sanders, the pace of the NFL might benefit Hunter, as teams tend to huddle more compared to the fast-paced offenses often seen in college football. This would allow him more opportunities to rest.

“Many college teams play at a rapid pace, which doesn’t give him much time to rest,” Sanders explained. “But in the NFL, offenses huddle, giving him extra time to recover. The transition from play to play is much smoother than in college, where the tempo can be much quicker. Considering that, there’s no doubt he can excel as a pro. NFL practices are also less intense, with minimal contact allowed, and you can’t even physically challenge a receiver downfield anymore.”

Last week, Hunter made history by becoming the first player at Colorado to have four consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards. He currently ranks second nationally in receptions per game, averaging 10, and also second in touchdown catches with a total of five.

After the Colorado State game, Hunter acknowledged his blockers and admitted to feeling fatigued at one point, but it was only brief. He chose to step off the field following an exhausting pursuit of a Colorado State player in the fourth quarter.

“It was the first time I took myself out,” he remarked regarding stepping off the field.

Upcoming Game Against Baylor and Other Updates

The upcoming match is not only Colorado’s opener in the Big 12 Conference but also a homecoming event, and it is already sold out at Folsom Field. Sanders indicated that running back Dallan Hayden, a transfer from Ohio State, may return from an unspecified injury after missing the CSU game, and defensive lineman Taurean Carter, also a transfer from Arkansas, is out indefinitely after recent surgery.

Saturday’s game will also highlight the relationship between Sanders and Robert Griffin III, the Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor in 2011. Griffin has visited Colorado’s campus on several occasions to meet with Sanders, and he recently released a podcast featuring conversations with Sanders’ sons, Shedeur and Shilo.

“RGIII was magnificent during his time at Baylor,” Sanders said. “He had a major impact and was a formidable force. I admire what he represents as an athlete, father, and individual, especially for our culture. I have tremendous respect for RGIII, but I imagine he’ll have mixed feelings about the game. He wants us to succeed, but his loyalty lies with his alma mater, so I suspect he’ll be wearing some green while supporting Baylor.”

For updates from reporter Brent Schrotenboer, follow him @Schrotenboer