From Humble Beginnings to Heisman Glory: The Unstoppable Rise of Travis Hunter
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — The remnants of the Metro Extended Stay hotel tell a story of resilience and determination. Massive concrete barriers now block what were once its entrances, and the cracked parking lot is overrun with weeds and litter. The hotel itself is long gone, but a solitary black mailbox still stands, a quiet, poignant reminder of the three-story building that once served as home to many, including a young Travis Hunter.
For Hunter, now a two-way star at the University of Colorado, this was where his journey began. He lived in a single room at the hotel with his mother, stepfather, and three siblings. Two beds, a bathroom, and little privacy were all they had. Yet, from these modest beginnings, Hunter has risen to become one of the most electrifying players in college football, a generational talent who is now the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy (-2250 on ESPN BET).
A Star is Born
Hunter’s football journey took off when he moved to Lawrenceville, Georgia, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2018. He showed up unannounced at Collins Hill High School, where his coaches quickly realized they had something special on their hands. Drew Swick, then the team’s outside linebackers coach, recalls Hunter’s father confidently declaring his son would be a varsity starter from day one. “We all kind of chuckled,” Swick said. “But when we saw him in practice, we were like, ‘Damn, he isn’t lying. This kid is legit.’”
Hunter’s talent was undeniable, and his work ethic unmatched. By his sophomore year, he had seven interceptions and 49 catches for 919 yards with 12 touchdowns. The following season, he exploded with eight interceptions, 51 tackles, and an eye-popping 137 catches for 1,746 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading Collins Hill to the 2020 Class 7A state title game.
Breaking the Mold
Hunter’s path to stardom has been anything but conventional. After becoming one of the most coveted recruits in the country, he shocked the football world by choosing Jackson State over powerhouse programs like Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia. He became the first five-star recruit to sign with an HBCU, a decision driven by his admiration for head coach Deion Sanders.
After one season at Jackson State, Hunter followed Sanders to Colorado, where he has continued to dazzle. This season, he has 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, while allowing just 22 catches, one touchdown, and six first downs on defense. He logged an astonishing 1,356 snaps on both sides of the ball in 12 games, 434 more than any other FBS player.
Accolades and Aspirations
Hunter’s incredible season has earned him a slew of awards, including the Walter Camp Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Biletnikoff Award. But the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious honor, remains his ultimate goal. “I never envisioned this would happen for me,” Hunter said. “But I’m so happy to be sitting right here.”
Hunter’s confidence extends beyond college football. He has his sights set on playing both offense and defense in the NFL, a feat rarely attempted at the professional level. “I’m super confident, and I believe that I can do it at the next level,” he said. “They said I couldn’t do it in college, and I ended up doing it in college. I’m going to still do it in the NFL.”
A Village Behind the Star
Hunter’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of those around him. His high school secondary coach, Frontia Fountain, took him in when his family was struggling, providing structure and stability. “He was not only special on the football field, he was a special kid,” Fountain said. “The worst thing he did was watching film in class.”
Hunter’s mother, Ferrante Harris, also played a crucial role, sacrificing a comfortable life in Florida to give her children a better future. “We went through our tests and our trials for a purpose,” Harris said. “The purpose was this merry moment. The outcome is so much greater than the storm that we were in.”
Giving Back
Despite his meteoric rise, Hunter hasn’t forgotten his roots. Earlier this year, he donated $10,000 from an NIL deal with Cheez-It to Collins Hill High to help teachers purchase supplies. He also surprised his mother with a five-bedroom home outside Savannah, Georgia, purchased with money from NIL deals with companies like United Airlines and NerdWallet.
Legacy in the Making
As Hunter prepares for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community. From a cramped hotel room in Lawrenceville to the bright lights of college football’s biggest stage, Travis Hunter’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. And with his sights set on the NFL, this is only the beginning for the young star who refuses to be defined by limits.
Originally Written by: Mark Schlabach
