Awards and Rewards

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Awards and Rewards

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January 14th

Jordan Seaton CU’s fifth-ever FWAA Freshman All-American (first on offense)

From Football Writers of America … Two of the true freshman starters in Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game and eight players who were members of this year’s playoff field are among the 32-man list on the 2024 Freshman All-America Team presented by Chris Doering Mortgage and awarded by the Football Writers Association of America. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, an electric wide receiver and big-play producer who has helped the Buckeyes’ surge into the national title game, and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, one of the FBS’s top pass defenders and a national stats leader among freshmen, highlight the team of this year’s top first-year players.

Along the offensive line was Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton. The 6-5, 285-pound true freshman was a key force protecting electric quarterback Shedeur Sanders allowing only two sacks and 23 pressures in 578 pass-blocking snaps. He is only Colorado’s fifth FWAA Freshman All-American and the Buffaloes’ first on offense.

Following is the complete 2024 FWAA Freshman All-America Team:

OFFENSE (14)
QB DJ Lagway, Florida (6-3, 239, Fr., Willis, Texas)
QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (6-3, 242, R-Fr., Florence, S.C.)
RB Ahmad Hardy, ULM (5-10, 205, Fr., Monticello, Miss.)
RB Bryson Washington, Baylor (6-0, 203, R-Fr., Franklin, Texas)
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (6-3, 215, Fr., Miami Gardens, Fla.)
WR Bryant Wesco Jr., Clemson (6-2, 180, Fr., Midlothian, Texas)
WR Ryan Williams, Alabama (6-0, 175, Fr., Mobile, Ala.)
TE Mason Williams, Ohio (6-5, 257, R-Fr., Mogadore, Ohio)
OL Aidan Banfield, North Carolina (6-3, 300, Fr., Buford, Ga.)
OL Tyler Mercer, North Texas (6-4, 290, Fr., Prosper, Texas)
OL Elijah Paige, USC (6-7, 320, R-Fr., Phoenix, Ariz.)
OL Tyson Ruffins, Nevada (6-2, 291, R-Fr., Carson, Calif.)
OL Jordan Seaton, Colorado (6-5, 285, Fr., Washington, D.C.)
OL Josiah Thompson, South Carolina (6-7, 300, Fr., Dillon, S.C.)

DEFENSE (13)
DL Jamarioius Brown, Ole Miss (6-1, 315, R-Fr., Moss Point, Miss.)
DL Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma (6-2, 312, Fr., Indianapolis, Ind.)
DL Colin Simmons, Texas (6-3, 245, Fr., Duncanville, Texas)
DL Dylan Stewart, South Carolina (6-6, 248, Fr., Washington, D.C.)
LB Sammy Brown, Clemson (6-2, 235, Fr., Commerce, Ga.)
LB Isaiah Chisom, Oregon State (6-0, 218, R-Fr., Santa Clarita, Calif.)
LB Josiah Trotter, West Virginia (6-2, 242, R-Fr., Philadelphia, Pa.)
CB OJ Frederique Jr., Miami (6-0, 180, Fr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson (6-2, 200, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla.)
CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (6-2, 191, Fr., Round Rock, Texas)
S KJ Bolden, Georgia (6-0, 185, Fr., Buford, Ga.)
S Koi Perich, Minnesota (6-1, 200, Fr., Esko, Minn.)
S Zechariah Poyser, Jax State (6-2, 190, R-Fr., Wildwood, Fla.)

SPECIALISTS (5)
K Nolan Hauser, Clemson (6-1, 190, Fr., Cornelius, N.C.)
P Rhys Dakin, Iowa (6-0, 222, Fr., Melbourne, Australia)
KR Samuel Singleton Jr., Florida State (5-11, 195, R-Fr., Charleston, S.C.)
PR Kam Shanks, UAB (5-8, 180, R-Fr., Prattville, Ala.)
AP Isaac Brown, Louisville (5-9, 190, Fr., Homestead, Fla.)

By conference: SEC 9, ACC 8, Big Ten 4, Big 12 3, American Athletic 2, Conference USA 1, Independents 1, Mid-American 1, Mountain West 1, Pac-12 1, Sun Belt 1.

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January 6th

Travis Hunter named “2024 Breakout Star of The Year” by Sports Illustrated

From Sports Illustrated … What Travis Hunter does on a football field is attributable to athleticism, stamina and versatility. But more than that, it is a testament to sheer audacity. Who else would have the guts to even try it?

“I think my confidence is why I can do it,” Hunter says. “I’m super confident.”

In a two-platoon, hyperspecialized football world, the Colorado junior had the self-assurance to believe he could excel at both wide receiver and defensive back. He paired that self-belief with the perfect coach in Deion Sanders, himself a multipurpose football player and two-sport professional athlete who refused to have limitations placed upon him. And then Hunter went out and did it, producing on both sides of the ball in a way that hasn’t been done at the highest level of the sport in about 70 years.

Between then and now, a lot of all-time greats have dabbled in playing both ways—Chris Gamble at Ohio State, Champ Bailey at Georgia, and Charles Woodson at Michigan, to name a few. (Sanders himself played both ways as a pro.) But the last player who excelled at multiple positions to a Heisman Trophy-winning degree might have been Paul Hornung, the former Notre Dame quarterback, running back, safety and kicker who was selected first in the 1957 NFL draft. Fittingly, Hunter is the first two-time recipient of the Paul Hornung Award—given to the most versatile player in college football—winning in 2023 and ’24. And now he’s added the Heisman to his trophy case, after following the unconventional path Sanders laid out for him.

Hunter did not have it easy growing up, moving from Florida to Lawrenceville, Ga., in high school and living with five family members in a single room at an extended-stay hotel. Later during his time at Collins Hill High in Suwanee, Hunter spent more than a year living with an assistant coach. Those periods of instability did not derail his football dreams or shake his faith in his family.

His eyes welled with tears when he spoke about his father, Travis Hunter Sr., who was not present at the Heisman Trophy ceremony. “Dad, I love you,” Hunter said. “All the stuff you went through … look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man.”

The Heisman has become increasingly formulaic in recent years, dominated by quarterbacks with big stats on name-brand teams that are in the national championship chase. Then came 2024, when the formula was tossed aside. Here came a running back from Boise State, Ashton Jeanty, and here came a receiver/cornerback from Colorado. The two-man race went to the two-way wonder. Hunter earned it by taking his game to a new level offensively, a leap that makes him Sports Illustrated’s Breakout Star of the Year.

While maintaining his prowess as one of the best cornerbacks in college football, he became a much more productive receiver. In 2024, he ranked fifth nationally in receptions with 92, sixth in yards receiving (1,152) and second in touchdown catches (14). He is unquestionably elite at two different things.

… Continue reading story here …

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December 19th

Travis Hunter sixth player in CU history to be named unanimous first-team All-American

From the Daily Camera … All season, Travis Hunter has been making spectacular plays for the Colorado Buffaloes and etching his name into the history books.

On Thursday, Hunter made a bit more CU history as he was officially named as a unanimous first-team All-American. The Buffs’ star cornerback/receiver is just the sixth player in program history to earn that distinction and the first since tight end Daniel Graham in 2001.

To become a unanimous All-American, a player must be named first-team by all five organizations recognized by the NCAA: American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Foundation.

Players named first-team on at least two of those five are considered consensus All-Americans.

Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday as college football’s most outstanding player, was named first-team All-American by all five organizations, but at three different positions. Because he wasn’t first-team on all five at one position, he goes down as a unanimous All-American at the all-purpose spot.

The AFCA and FWAA both put Hunter at their all-purpose spots; the AP had him at all-purpose and cornerback; Walter Camp had Hunter at both receiver and cornerback; and The Sporting News put him at receiver.

Hunter was named the national player of the year by the AP, Sporting News and Walter Camp.

Nationally, Hunter was one of eight unanimous All-Americans this year, along with San Jose State receiver Nick Nash; Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.; Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty; Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham; Penn State defensive lineman Abdul Carter; Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins; and Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs.

In addition to Hunter and Graham, CU’s other unanimous All-Americans were Eric Bieniemy (1990), Joe Garten (1990), Jay Leeuwenberg (1991) and Rashaan Salaam (1994).

Hunter just missed out on being an unanimous All-American last year. He was first-team at the all-purpose spot for the AFCA, AP, FWAA and Sporting News, earning consensus All-American honors. Walter Camp doesn’t have an all-purpose spot.

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December 17th 

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December 16th 

Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders named to AP All-American teams (Travis three times)

From ESPN … Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado was a first-team selection at two spots and a second-team pick at another on the Associated Press All-America team announced Monday.

Hunter and Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts were repeat first-team selections, and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty was the only unanimous pick after he posted one of the highest single-season rushing totals in college football history.

A total of 24 schools are represented on the first team, selected by a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Texas and Miami had two players apiece on the first team.

Hunter, selected the AP Player of the Year last week, is regarded as one of the greatest two-way college athletes since football shifted away from such players in the 1940s. He was selected first-team cornerback, first-team all-purpose player and second-team receiver.

The junior from Suwanee, Georgia, has totaled 1,443 snaps on offense, defense and special teams over 12 games, according to Pro Football Focus. He played at least 120 snaps in 10 games, including a season-high 170 against Texas Tech on Nov. 9. His snaps were limited in two other games because of injury.

Hunter, who announced last month he would enter the 2025 NFL draft, said he would play in Colorado’s game against BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28.

As a receiver, Hunter finished the regular season ranked among the national leaders with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 21 catches for 20-plus yards apiece lead the country.

As a cornerback, he made 31 tackles and was among the national leaders with 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. His biggest defensive play came in the Buffaloes’ overtime win over Baylor when his hard hit on Dominic Richardson near the goal line forced a fumble on the final play.

First-team All-Americans (by conference)

SEC — 6

ACC — 5

Big Ten — 5

Big 12 — 4

MAC — 3

Mountain West — 2

Sun Belt — 1

Independent — 1

First-team offense

Wide receivers — Nick Nash, San Jose State, senior, 6-3, 195, Irvine, California; Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, junior, 6-5, 212, Waimanalo, Hawaii; Xavier Restrepo, Miami, senior, 5-10, 198, Coconut Creek, Florida.

Tackles — Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas, junior, 6-3, 320, Humble, Texas; Will Campbell, LSU, junior, 6-6, 323, Monroe, Louisiana.

Guards — Addison West, Western Michigan, senior, 6-3, 305, Cary, Illinois; Willie Lampkin, North Carolina, senior, 5-11, 290, Lakeland, Florida.

Center — Jake Slaughter, Florida, junior, 6-5, 308, Sparr, Florida.

Tight end — Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green, junior, 6-4, 230, Canton, Ohio.

Quarterback — Cam Ward, Miami, senior, 6-2, 223, West Columbia, Texas.

Running backs — u-Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, junior, 5-9, 215, Jacksonville, Florida; Cam Skattebo, Arizona State, senior, 5-11, 215, Rio Linda, California.

Kicker — Kenneth Almendares, Louisiana-Lafayette, senior, 6-2, 252, Clute, Texas.

All-purpose — Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.

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First-team defense

Edge rushers — Abdul Carter, Penn State, junior, 6-3, 252, Philadelphia; Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, senior, 6-2, 247, Williamstown, New Jersey.

Interior linemen — Mason Graham, Michigan, junior, 6-3, 320, Mission Viejo, California; Walter Nolen, Mississippi, junior, 6-3, 305, Powell, Tennessee.

Linebackers — Jay Higgins, Iowa, senior, 6-2, 232, Indianapolis; Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, graduate, 6-1, 225, West Seneca, New York; Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, junior, 6-2, 225, Moorpark, California.

Cornerbacks — Jahdae Barron, Texas, senior, 5-11, 200, Austin, Texas; Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.

Safeties — Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, graduate, 6-0, 203, Omaha, Nebraska; Caleb Downs, Ohio State, sophomore, 6-0, 205, Hoschton, Georgia.

Defensive back — Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, junior, 6-3, 227, Irmo, South Carolina.

Punter — Alex Mastromanno, Florida State, senior, 6-1, 241, Melbourne, Australia.

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Second-team offense

Wide receivers — Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia; Tre Harris, Mississippi, senior, 6-3, 210, Lafayette, Louisiana; Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, freshman, 6-3, 215, Miami Gardens, Florida.

Tackles — Spencer Fano, Utah, sophomore, 6-5, 304, Spanish Fork, Utah; Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, senior, 6-6, 317, Kenova, West Virginia.

Guards — Tyler Booker, Alabama, junior, 6-5, 325, New Haven, Connecticut; Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, senior, 6-4, 320, Cypress, Texas, and Dylan Fairchild, Georgia, junior, 6-5, 315, Cumming, Georgia.

Center — Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State, graduate, 6-4, 305, Buford, Georgia.

Tight end — Tyler Warren, Penn State, senior, 6-6, 261, Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Quarterback — Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, senior, 6-2, 215, Dallas.

Running backs — Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, junior, 6-0, 220, Clayton, North Carolina; Kaleb Johnson, Iowa, junior, 6-0, 225, Hamilton, Ohio.

Kicker — Dominic Zvada, Michigan, junior 6-3, 180, Chandler, Arizona, and Alex Raynor, Kentucky, senior, 6-0, 185, Kennesaw, Georgia.

All-purpose — Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh, junior, 5-8, 175, Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Second-team defense

Edge rushers — Kyle Kennard, South Carolina, senior, 6-5, 254, Atlanta; Mike Green, Marshall, sophomore, 6-4, 238, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Interior linemen — Derrick Harmon, Oregon, junior, 6-5, 310, Detroit; Alfred Collins, Texas, senior, 6-5, 320, Bastrop, Texas.

Linebackers — Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, sophomore, 6-3, 235, Denton, Texas; Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, senior, 6-4, 243, Windermere, Florida; Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh, sophomore, 6-0, 225, East Orange, New Jersey.

Cornerbacks — Nohl Williams, California, senior, 6-1, 200, Oxnard, California; Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, sophomore, 6-0, 193, Whitehouse, Texas.

Safeties — Malaki Starks, Georgia, junior, 6-1, 205, Jefferson, Georgia; Malachi Moore, Alabama, graduate, 6-0, 201, Trussville, Alabama.

Defensive back — Michael Taaffe, Texas, junior, 6-0, 195, Austin, Texas.

Punter — Brett Thorson, Georgia, junior, 6-2, 235, Melbourne, Australia.

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December 14th

Travis Hunter becomes CU’s second Heisman Trophy winner

… Related … Travis Hunter’s rise to Heisman Trophy favorite … from ESPN

… Related … Travis Hunter’s magical season ends only way it can, with Heisman in hand … from the Daily Camera

… Related … Travis Hunter claims award on back of Colorado star’s sensational two-way season … from CBS Sports

… Related … Heisman winner Travis Hunter charted his own path and validated Deion Sanders as a coach … from The Athletic 

Travis Hunter’s acceptance speech … 

From ESPN … Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, capping a season in which he was a dominant force on both sides of the ball for Colorado.

The star cornerback/receiver became the second Buffaloes player to win college football’s most prestigious award, following late running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel of Oregon and Cam Ward of Miami were the other finalists.

A dominant player on both offense and defense who rarely comes off the field, Hunter is a throwback to generations gone by and the first full-time, true two-way star in decades.

On offense, he had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns this season to help the Buffaloes (9-3) earn their first bowl bid in four years. On defense, he made four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and forced a critical fumble that secured an overtime victory against Baylor.

The junior from Suwanee, Georgia, followed flashy coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State, an HBCU that plays in the lower level FCS, to the Rocky Mountains and has already racked up a staggering combination of accolades this week, including: AP Player of the Year, the Walter Camp Award as national player of the year, the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player and the Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver.

He’s projected to go No. 1 overall in next year’s NFL draft, according to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

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Top 10 Heisman Trophy finishers in Colorado history … 

• 1994 – Rashaan Salaam, 1st
• 2024 – Travis Hunter, 1st
• 1937 – Byron White, 2nd
• 1990 – Eric Bieniemy, 3rd
• 1989 – Darian Hagan, 5th
• 1961 – Joe Romig, 6th
• 2002 – Chris Brown, 8th
• 2024 – Shedeur Sanders, 8th

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December 12th

ESPN College Football Awards 

… Maxwell Award (College Football Player of the Year) goes to Ashton Jeanty of Boise State –  Travis Hunter named Walter Camp Player of the Year … Biletnikoff Award (nation’s best wide receiver) goes to – CU’s Travis Hunter …  Travis Hunter wins Chuck Bednarik Award (nation’s best defensive player) … Shedeur Sanders second to Cam Newton (Miami) for Davey O’Brien Award (best quarterback) …

From the Daily Camera … Travis Hunter has spent this season doing things that nobody else in modern college football has done.

On Thursday night, he was honored like nobody else before him.

During the ESPN College Football Awards show, the Colorado Buffaloes’ star took home the Chuck Bednarik Award, one of the three major defensive player of the year honors; as well as the Biletnikoff Award as the most outstanding receiver in the country.

Hunter is the first player in major college football history to win national awards for offense and defense, which is why he is also the odds-on favorite to win the most coveted award in the sport, the Heisman Trophy. He is one of four finalists for the Heisman, which will be presented on Saturday in New York City.

It was also announced on Thursday night that Hunter has been named as the Walter Camp national player of the year, becoming the second Buff to win that award, joining Rashaan Salaam in 1994.

A star cornerback and receiver for the 20th-ranked Buffs (9-3, 7-2; No. 23 CFP), Hunter is the only player in the country starting and playing the majority of snaps on both sides of the ball.

On offense, he ranks second nationally in receiving touchdowns (14), fifth in receptions (92) and sixth in receiving yards (1,152). Other Biletnikoff finalists were Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona and Nick Nash from San Jose State.

“It means a lot,” he said during ESPN’s show of taking the Biletnikoff. “I dreamed of this. I can tell you I put my goals on my front door because I go out my front door every morning at five o’clock. I touch that piece of paper with my goals every morning, and I’m excited to get to hold this trophy and have this award.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Shedeur Sanders only unanimous AP All-Big 12 selection; Five Buffs honored overall

From the Associated Press … Heisman Trophy finalist and two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter was named The Associated Press Big 12 defensive player of the year while also being a first-team selection at wide receiver on Thursday. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is the league’s top offensive player.

Kenny Dillingham, the 34-year-old in his second season at Arizona State, was the unanimous choice as Big 12 coach of the year after leading his alma mater to a championship and a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Sun Devils (11-2) went into their league debut as the preseason pick to finish last among the 16 teams.

At cornerback, Hunter had 31 tackles, tied for the Big 12 lead with 11 pass breakups and was tied for second with four interceptions. On offense, he leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns, and is second with 1,152 yards receiving. His 21 catches of at least 20 yards are the most nationally. He is also the AP’s player of the year.

Sanders is the Big 12 passing leader, completing 337 of 454 passes (74.2%) for 3,926 yards and a school-record 35 touchdowns with eight interceptions for the Buffaloes (10-2)

Arizona State freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is 11-1 as a starter, is the league’s top newcomer. The Michigan State transfer has 2,663 yards passing with 24 touchdowns and only five picks in 304 attempts.

The 2024 AP All-Big 12 team, as determined by the votes from a panel of 18 sports writers and sportscasters who regularly cover the league. Players at all positions are listed alphabetically with name, school, class, height, weight and hometown; “u-” denotes unanimous selections:

First team Offense

WR — Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr., 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.

WR — Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, Jr., 6-5, 212, Waimanalo, Hawaii.

OT — Spencer Fano, Utah, So, 6-5, 304, Spanish Fork, Utah.

OT — Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, So., 6-6, 317, Allen, Texas.

OG — Michael Ford Jr., Kansas, Jr., 6-3, 305, Homewood, Illinois.

OG — Luke Kandra, Cincinnati, Sr., 6-4, 320, Cincinnati, Ohio

Center — Leif Fautanu, Arizona State, Sr., 6-2, 315, Honolulu, Hawaii.

TE — Brant Kuithe, Utah, Sr., 6-2, 236, Katy, Texas.

QB — u-Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, Sr., 6-2, 215, Dallas.

RB — RJ Harvey, UCF, Sr. 5-9, 208, Orlando, Florida.

RB — Cam Skattebo, Arizona State, Sr, 5-11, 215, Rio Linda, Texas.

PK — Will Ferrin, BYU, Jr., 6-3, 175, Kaysville, Utah.

All-purpose — Jaylin Noel, Iowa State, Sr., 5-11, 200, Kansas City, Missouri.

First-team defense

DE — BJ Green II, Colorado, Sr., 6-1, 270, Atlanta.

DE — Brendan Mott, Kansas State, Sr. ,6-5, 244, Iowa City, Iowa.

DT — Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati, Sr., 6-1, 320, Cincinnati.

DT — TJ Jackson II, West Virginia, Sr., 6-1, 282, Millbrook, Alabama.

LB — Matt Jones, Baylor, Sr., 6-4, 246, Odessa, Texas.

LB — Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, Jr., 6-1, 230, Wichita Falls, Texas.

LB — Keaton Thomas, Baylor, So., 6-2, 224, Jacksonville, Florida.

CB — Mello Dotson, Kansas, Jr., 6-1, 190, Daytona Beach, Florida.

CB — Travis Hunter, Colorado Jr., 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.

S — Xavion Alford, Arizona State, Jr., 6-0, 200, Pearland, Texas.

S — AJ Haulcy, Houston, Jr., 6-0, 215, Houston.

Punter — Palmer Williams, Baylor, So., 6-2, 201, Advance, North Carolina.

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Second team offense

WR — Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, Sr., 6-4, 215, South Miami, Florida.

WR — Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, So., 6-1, 195, Allen, Texas.

OT —Logan Brown, Kansas, Sr., 6-6, 315, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

OT — Caleb Etienne, BYU, Sr., 6-8, 320, New Orleans.

OG — Omar Aigbedion, Baylor, Jr., 6-3, 310, Katy, Texas.

OG — Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech, Sr., 6-5, 310, Mansfield, Texas.

Center — Bryce Foster, Kansas, Jr., 6-5, 330, Katy, Texas.

TE — Joe Royer, Cincinnati, Sr., 6-5, 255, Cincinnati.

QB — Sam Leavitt, Arizona State, Fr., 6-2, 200, West Linn, Oregon.

RB — Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech, Sr, 5-10, 230, Manor, Texas.

RB — Devin Neal, Kansas, Sr., 5-11, 215, Lawrence, Kansas.

PK — Gino Garcia, Texas Tech, Sr., 6-2, 215, Richardson, Texas.

All-purpose — Keelan Marion, BYU, Jr., 6-0, 195, Atlanta.

Second team defense

DE — Tyler Batty, BYU, Sr., 6-5, 275, Payson, Utah.

DE —Van Fillinger, Utah, Sr., 6-4, 255, Draper, Utah.

DT — CJ Fite, Arizona State, So., 6-1, 295, Tatum, Texas.

DT —Lee Hunter, UCF, Jr., 6-4, 320, Mobile, Alabama.

LB — Jared Bartlett, Cincinnati, Sr., 6-3, 235, Miami.

LB — Nikhai Hill-Green, Colorado, Gr., 6-2, 230, Pittsburgh.

LB — Austin Romaine, Kansas State, So, 6-2, 242, Hillsboro, Missouri.

CB — Cobee Bryant, Kansas, Sr., 6-0, 175, Evergreen, Alabama.

CB — Jontez Williams, Iowa State, So., 5-11, 200, Starke, Florida.

S — Bud Clark, TCU, Jr., 6-2, 185, Alexandria, Louisiana.

S — Cam’ron Silmon-Craig, Colorado, Sr., 5-10, 185, Birmingham, Alabama.

Punter — Jack Bouwmeester, Utah, Jr, 6-3, 197, Bendigo, Australia.

Individual honors

Offensive player of the year — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado.

Defensive player of the year — Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado.

Coach of the year — u-Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State.

Newcomer of the year — Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State.

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Travis Hunter named Associated Press Player of the Year

Tweet from Brian Howell from the Daily Camera … Colorado star Travis Hunter has been named the Associated Press national player of the year. Good omen for Hunter: The last eight AP Players of the Year, and 19 of the last 21 won the Heisman Trophy … 

From the Associated Press … Travis Hunter is a throwback-type player — an elite receiver one moment, a lockdown cornerback the next — who rarely leaves the field and has a knack for making big plays all over it.

The Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way standou even celebrates at an elite level, unveiling imaginative dance moves following touchdowns and interceptions, some of which include the Heisman Trophy pose. It’s one of the many awards he’s in line to win.

Hunter is the The Associated Press college football player of the year, receiving 26 of 43 votes Thursday from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote.

“Couldn’t do what I do without my team,” Hunter said in an email on a trip to Las Vegas for an awards ceremony. “So I view being up for these awards as team awards.

A player with his particular set of skills doesn’t come around that often. He’s a flashback to the days of Charles Woodson at Michigan or Champ Bailey at Georgia. Or even his coach, Deion Sanders, a two-way star in the NFL.

The prospect of significant playing time on both sides of the ball is what led Hunter to join Sanders at Jackson State and why he followed Sanders to Boulder.

“Coach Prime was the only coach who would consider allowing me to do what I’m doing,” said Hunter, who’s expected to be a top-five pick next spring in the NFL draft, possibly even the No. 1 overall selection. “He did it and knows what it takes — how much you have to be ready on both sides of the ball.”

Want to fuel Hunter? Simply tell him he can’t.

“I’m motivated when people tell me I can’t do something,” Hunter said. “That I can’t dominate on both sides of the ball. I want to be an example for others that anything is possible. Keep pursuing your dreams.”

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December 11th

Travis Hunter first repeat winner of the Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player)

From the Daily Camera … Colorado star Travis Hunter continues to make history.

On Wednesday, the Buffaloes’ junior cornerback/receiver was announced as the winner of the Paul Hornung Award, which is presented annually by the Louisville Sports Commission to the most versatile player in major college football.

The other finalists were Isaac Brown of Louisville and Tyler Warren of Penn State.

Hunter won the Hornung in 2023, as well, and is the first two-time winner in the 15-year history of the award.

“I’d like to thank all of my teammates and believe the awards I’m winning are team awards,” Hunter said in a Hornung Award press release. “Especially the Paul Hornung Award for the most versatile player. I couldn’t do it without each of my teammates. I want to thank the Louisville Sports Commission and the Paul Hornung Award voters for blessing me with this award twice. I’d also like to thank Coach Prime for allowing me to do what I do and all the coaches and staff surrounding the CU football team. This is for all of us.”

The award is in honor of the late Hornung, considered one of the greatest all-around players in the history of the sport. At Notre Dame, Hornung starred on offense, defense and special teams as a kicker and punter, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1956. During his 10-year Hall of Fame career with the Green Bay Packers, Hornung was a halfback and kicker.

“Travis is HIM. A one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime player,” CU head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders said. “Thank you to the selection committee because they saw how special he was last year. This year he took it to another level and the rest of the nation is taking notice, but the Hornung Award and its selectors will be remembered for recognizing it before others. God bless you all.”

… Continue reading story here …

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December 10th

Travis Hunter a PFF First Team All-American on both offense and defense 

From Pro Football Focus … With college football’s conference championship weekend in the rearview mirror, it’s time for bowl season and, more importantly, the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

Before those games kick off, let’s look back at the top players in college football at every position with PFF’s 2024 All-America team.

From the Big 12 … 

Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona Wildcats

McMillan was one of the few things that went right for Arizona this year in a disappointing 4-8 season. The projected top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft leads all Power Four players with 1,316 receiving yards and is tied for third in the FBS with his 18 contested catches. McMillan was also incredibly dangerous after the catch, placing fourth among the nation’s wideouts with 28 forced missed tackles on receptions.

Flex: Travis Hunter, Colorado Buffaloes

This isn’t the last time you’ll see Hunter on this list, which is why he’s the heavy favorite to take home the Heisman Trophy. Colorado’s two-way superstar leads the Power Four with 14 receiving touchdowns and ranks third with 1,152 receiving yards. His 86.2 PFF offensive grade places fifth among all wideouts in college football.

Right Tackle: Spencer Fano, Utah Utes

Fano’s ability to maul defenders in the run game made him the most valuable FBS tackle, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. His 91.8 PFF run-blocking grade is more than three points better than any other offensive tackle in college football. The true sophomore is no slouch in pass protection, either, earning an 80.3 PFF grade in that aspect.

Cornerback: Travis Hunter, Colorado Buffaloes

Hunter’s 90.9 PFF coverage grade ranks third among all cornerbacks. His 42.0 passer rating allowed places ninth among Power Four cornerbacks, while his four interceptions are tied for the fourth most among that same group. And he did all that while also starting at wide receiver for the Buffaloes.

Return Specialist: Keelan Marion, BYU Cougars

… Read full story here …

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December 9th

Travis Hunter wins the 2024 Lott IMPACT Trophy

Press Release from CUBuffs.com … Colorado’s Travis Hunter was named the winner of the 2024 Lott IMPACT Trophy presented by Allied Universal, given to college football’s defensive IMPACT player of the year, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation announced Monday.

The award is named in honor of Ronnie Lott, a two time All-American for USC and a College Football Hall of Fame inductee who went on to win four Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers and earn a spot in the Pro Football’s Hall of Fame. The award is given annually to the nation’s top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Lott by making an impact on and off the field.

IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Past winners of the award include Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, Auburn’s Derrick Brown, Iowa’s Josey Jewell and Wisconsin’s JJ Watt.

Hunter embodies all phases of the award as a first-team Academic All-American last year with a 4.0 semester and above a 3.7 overall grade point average.  When he was injured due to a late hit his junior season, he embraced the player the following week on his social media channels, curbing threats the player was receiving.

The first true two-way star in a generation, Hunter has played 1,360 snaps on offense and defense this season and leads the Power 4 in receiving touchdowns (14), is second in receptions (92) and yards (1,152).  On defense, he has been targeted 39 times, third fewest in the P4 and has given up an FBS leading six first downs (for players with 300 or more snaps).  He also has 15 passes defended (four interceptions, 11 pass breakups), tied for third in the P4 despite only having 39 targets, and his four interceptions is tied for fifth among P4 players.

He has caught 92 passes and allowed just 22 receptions, caught 14 touchdowns and allowed just one and has 53 first downs on offense and given up just six.

More specific to defense on the field, he had the sixth-best PFF grade for coverage, the seventh best as a cornerback for overall defense and the third best cornerback for run defense, fueled by a walk-off forced fumble in overtime against Baylor.

He is also a finalist for several other awards, including the Walter Camp and Maxwell overall player of the year awards, the Bednarik defensive player of the year award, the Hornung most versatile player of the year and the Biletnikoff award given to the nation’s best receiver regardless of position.

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Four Heisman Trophy Finalists Announced (Shedeur Sanders not invited)

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith took home the Offensive True Freshman of the Year award, while South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart took home the Defensive True Freshman of the Year honors.

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December 6th 

Jordan Seaton and Cash Cleveland named to On3 Sports Freshman All-American Team …

From On3Sports …

OL Jordan Seaton, Colorado

Jordan Seaton has been the top true freshman offensive lineman throughout the season. The former five-star-plus prospect manned the left tackle spot for Colorado, playing over 800 snaps and performed very well, particularly in pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, Seaton surrendered just three sacks and 16 hurries, which is among the best of the group of Power Four offensive tackles who started as true freshmen.

Seaton came into college with a high level of polish in addition to play strength. We felt that he would be the most ready to contribute as a true freshman among the top offensive tackles nationally, and that proved to be the case. Seaton looks to be a foundational building block along the offensive line as Deion Sanders continues to rebuild Colorado’s program.

OL Cash Cleveland, Colorado

Since taking over at center for Colorado midseason, Cash Cleveland has been one of the top true freshman offensive linemen in the nation. Similar to fellow Buff offensive lineman Jordan Seaton, Cleveland has been very good in pass protection, surrendering just one pressure and zero sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

Based on how he’s played to this point in the season, Cleveland looks to be a lock starter at center for the Buffaloes next season, giving Deion Sanders a steady, proven center who has played at a high level in the Big 12.

… Read full story here …

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December 5th 

All Big 12 Awards: Shedeur Offensive POY; Travis Defensive POY; 13 Buffs in all honored

Press release from CUBuffs.com … Travis Hunter, BJ Green II, and Shedeur Sanders all took home Player of the Year awards and were a part of 13 Colorado Buffaloes given Big 12 honors by the league’s head coaches, it was announced Thursday.

Travis Hunter continues to add awards and honors to his collection with Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year becoming Colorado’s first Conference DPOY since Jordon Dizon in 2007. Hunter was also named a Unanimous First Team selection at defensive back one of only two players to earn the distinction this season. On the offensive side of the ball, Hunter was named All-Big 12 First Team as a wide receiver and was an Honorable Mention for Offensive Player of the Year.

All of these come after he put up a staggering 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups tied for first in the Big 12, four interceptions tied for second in the Big 12, 15 passes defended ranked first in the Big 12, and a game-winning forced fumble on defense. Offensively he recorded 92 receptions and ranked first in the Big 12 and fifth in the NCAA, with 1,152 receiving yards which is second in the Big 12 and fifth in the country, 14 receiving touchdowns to lead the conference and is second in the NCAA, and 21 receiving plays of 20 yards or more which leads the entire country.

Shedeur Sanders took home the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team Quarterback spot after rewriting the Colorado record book this season. Sanders ranked first in the country in completions percentage at 74.2%, second in completions with 367, third in passing yards, and second in the NCAA with 35 passing touchdowns.

Sanders finished the regular season going 338-of-454, 74.4%, for 3,936 yards, 35 TDs, 8 INT, and QBR 169.2. A few of the records he has broken this season:
•    He set the new CU record for passing yards, having already held the record for yards in a regular season, surpassing Koy Detmer’s record of 3,527 set in 1996.
•    He set a new CU record for completions in a season, surpassing Sefo Liufau’s total of 325 in 2014.
•    He extended his CU record for passing touchdowns to 35 and touchdowns responsible for to 39.
•    His completion percentage of 74.4 is on pace to break his own record of 69.3 set last season.
•    His QB rating of 169.2 is on pace to break his own school record of 152.7 set last season.

With Hunter and Sanders taking home both the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, this marks only the third time in school history claiming both. The other two times were in back-to-back years in 1989 and 1990 when Darian Hagan and Alfred Williams took them home in 1989 and Eric Bieniemy and Alfred Williams in 1990.

BJ Green II in his first season at Colorado took home the Defensive Newcomer of the Year. After spending his first three seasons of college at Arizona State, Green transferred in and made an immediate impact on the defensive line. Finishing with 30 tackles, 19 unassisted tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven-and-a-half sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

He finished the regular season second in the Big 12 and 29th in the country. After not recording a sack in the first four games of the season, he finished seven of the last eight games with at least half a sack. In addition to his sacks, he ended the season ranked third in the Big 12 with 12 tackles for loss. Green is the first player to win Defensive Newcomer of the Year since Jordon Dizon in 2004.

With three players taking home a Conference Player of the Year Award, this ties the school record for most in a single season done in 1990.

Nikhai Hill-Green was named All-Big 12 Second Team at linebacker after finishing the season with 82 tackles, 53 unassisted tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two interceptions, and two sacks. He ranked 13th in the conference in tackles, 5th in solo tackles, and fourth in tackles for loss.

Nine other players were named to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention this season.

Preston Hodge recorded 33 tackles, 21 unassisted tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions. His seven pass breakups are tied for ninth in the Big 12 despite missing the final three games of the season.

Alejandro Mata scored a career-high 89 points making all 53 of his extra points. He finished the season going 12-14 on field goals making 10 consecutive to end the regular season.

Taje McCoy in his first season seeing consistent playing time made some big plays for Colorado. He ended the season with 20 tackles, three sacks, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries. All three of his sacks came on third downs to force teams to punt the ball.

DJ McKinney finished the regular season leading the Big 12 cornerbacks with 60 tackles. He also added 11 passes defended ranked sixth in the conference, nine pass breakups tied for fourth in the Big 12, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. In the last game against Oklahoma State, he recorded his first career pick-six against his former team.

Chidozie Nwankwo was a staple in the middle of the defense this season, ending with 25 tackles, 16 unassisted, three tackles for loss, one-and-a-half sacks, and one fumble recovery. The numbers don’t tell the whole story, playing inside he made everyone’s job easier behind him by holding down the middle and taking on blocks which is why he was not only an Honorable Mention at Defensive Line, but also for Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Jordan Seaton came to Colorado with a lot of hype and attention, and he has lived up to the hype. He was an Honorable Mention for Offensive Freshman of the Year after playing a team-leading 767 snaps on the offensive line only giving up three sacks and four quarterback hits on 578 pass blocking snaps. He did not give up a sack in the last seven games of the season according to PFF.

Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig was often described as the heartbeat of the defense, and he delivered every week. He was the team-leading tackler with 88, 64 unassisted tackles, eight-and-a-half tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries including his 95-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against UCF which is tied for the second-longest fumble return in CU history.

Mark Vassett averaged 43. 8 yards per punt on 49 attempts.  He finished the season with 19 inside the 20, only two touchbacks, and a NET average of 37.7 yards per punt.

LaJohntay Wester in his first and only season at Colorado made his mark finishing the season with 70 receptions for 880 yards and 10 touchdowns receiving and a punt return touchdown. He is now in the record books for this season as his 70 receptions are ninth all-time at CU, his 880 yards rank 15th and 10 touchdowns rank fourth. His 322 career catches rank tied for sixth in FBS history.  He was an Honorable Mention for Offensive Newcomer of the Year.

Along with all the Big 12 honors, Sanders was named a finalist for the Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The winner will be announced after the College Football Playoff National Championship in January.

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Press release from the Big 12 …  The All-Big 12 Conference football teams and individual award winners have been announced. Selections are made by the league’s head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, QB, Sr.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Travis Hunter, Colorado, DB, Jr.

OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Jordyn Tyson (former Buff), Arizona State, WR, R-So.

DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
BJ Green II, Colorado, DE, Sr.

OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State, QB

DEFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Josiah Trotter, West Virginia, LB

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Will Ferrin, BYU, K, R-Jr.
Jaylin Noel, Iowa State, PR/KR, Sr.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, Sr.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Brendan Mott, Kansas State, DE, Sr.

CHUCK NEINAS COACH OF THE YEAR
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State, 2nd season

SCHOLAR-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech, RB, Sr.
Jalon Daniels, Kansas, QB, R-Jr.

Shedeur Sanders was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year following a banner season ranked in the top 10 nationally in completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns while breaking school records for passing touchdowns, passing yards, consecutive games with a touchdown pass, quarterback rating and completion percentage.

With four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a record-breaking season on both sides of the ball, Travis Hunter became CU’s first Conference Defensive Player of the Year since Jordon Dizon in 2007. The defensive back also became the first player in Big 12 history to tally multiple games with an interception and an offensive touchdown.

Jordyn Tyson was selected as the Offensive Newcomer of the Year after tallying 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. The wideout elevated his play during the final three games of the regular season, recording 29 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Tyson also finished the season second in the Big 12 in touchdown catches (10) and third in receiving yards (1,101).

BJ Green II, the Big 12’s Newcomer of the Year on the defensive side, spearheaded a disruptive CU defensive unit with seven-and-a-half sacks that tied for the second most among all Big 12 players. He played a pivotal role in the Colorado pass rush finishing the regular season with a Big 12-best 37 sacks, which ranks 11th nationally.

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