“I don’t even want mine now”

On By Littum

BOULDER — Travis Hunter is a finalist for the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Biletnikoff Award, Paul Hornung Award and Bendarik Award.

But CU Buffs coach Deion Sanders was more confused — and sounded hurt — about a major award that didn’t include Hunter as a finalist: the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the best defensive back in college football.

“How Travis Hunter Gets Denied Jim Thorpe Award?” asked Coach Prime, who won the award at Florida State. “You can have my prize. You can have it back. In fact, I’ll give him mine. I’m not using it. It’s just sitting there gathering dust.”

Hunter, a two-way junior who regularly plays more than 120 snaps per game. game on both sides of the ball, leads CU in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (nine) from the cornerback position.

Over 20 games with the Buffs, the 6-foot-1 Hunter has tallied six interceptions and 14 pass breakups.

The Thorpe finalists were Texas CB Jahdae Barron, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

“Whoever votes there, whoever brings it home, thank you,” Sanders continued. “Because I don’t even want mine now. Bless you.”

In other CU news, Sanders said Hunter and son Shedeur Sanders will play in a CU bowl game, even though the postseason appearance is not part of the College Football Playoff.

“No, (Friday is) not the last time you’re going to see them in a Buffs uniform,” Coach Prime said. “We’re going to a bowl game and end this on the right note.”

Additionally, Sanders said he expects wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., cornerback Isaiah Hardge and defensive lineman Shane Cokes to play against Oklahoma State, but said tackle Phillip Houston and defensive lineman Amari McNeil are likely out.

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