Deion Sanders Rips Omission Of Travis Hunter As A Thorpe Award Finalist

Deion Sanders Rips Omission Of Travis Hunter As A Thorpe Award Finalist

Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders voiced his displeasure over the omission of his star cornerback Travis Hunter from the Thorpe Award finalist list. The Jim Thorpe Award is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

Background

Hunter, a five-star recruit, was considered the top player in the country coming out of high school. He initially committed to Florida State, but later flipped to Jackson State, becoming the highest-rated recruit ever to sign with an FCS program.

Key Facts and Latest Updates

In his freshman season at Jackson State, Hunter has recorded three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and two pass breakups. He has also been a key contributor on special teams, returning a punt for a touchdown.

“Travis Hunter is the best defensive player in the country,” Sanders said. “It’s a joke that he’s not a finalist for the Thorpe Award.”

Sanders’ comments were met with mixed reactions. Some agreed with his assessment of Hunter’s talent, while others felt that Hunter’s statistics did not warrant a place among the finalists.

Analysis and Impact

The omission of Hunter from the Thorpe Award finalist list is likely to fuel the debate over the value of FCS players. Some argue that FCS players should not be eligible for national awards, while others believe that they should be considered on an equal footing with FBS players.

Regardless of the debate, Hunter’s performance this season has been impressive. He has shown that he can play at a high level against both FCS and FBS opponents. It is possible that he could still be named a consensus All-American, which would be a major accomplishment for an FCS player.

Conclusion

The omission of Travis Hunter from the Thorpe Award finalist list is a controversial decision that has sparked debate about the value of FCS players. While Hunter’s statistics may not be as impressive as some of the other finalists, his performance on the field has been undeniable. It is likely that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.