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Travis Hunter Skips Colorado Showcase, NFL Draft Prospects Remain High
In a surprising move, two-way star Travis Hunter has opted out of the Colorado Showcase event, raising questions about his preparation for the upcoming NFL draft. As one of the top prospects, Hunter’s absence may impact his visibility among NFL scouts.
Lead: In a significant decision just weeks before the NFL draft, Travis Hunter, a standout two-way player for the Colorado Buffaloes, has chosen to skip the highly anticipated Colorado Showcase event scheduled for this Friday. Widely regarded as a top-three pick in the upcoming draft, Hunter’s choice coincides with a series of other notable absences, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders. With top NFL talent evaluators gathered on Colorado’s campus, Hunter’s absence raises eyebrows and intrigues fans and analysts alike.
What Does Hunter’s Absence Mean?
Hunter’s decision not to participate in the Colorado Showcase adds to a growing list of missed opportunities for the budding star. Here are some critical aspects regarding his situation:
– **Prior Absences**: Before skipping the showcase, Hunter also opted out of workouts at the NFL Combine and the Big 12 Pro Day. This has led to discussions about his health and preparedness for the draft.
– **Scouting Interest**: Despite his absence from these events, Hunter has still met with several NFL teams ahead of the draft, indicating that his stock remains high among evaluators.
– **Performance Statistics**: Last season, Hunter showcased his dual-threat capability with:
– 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense.
– Defensive stats including 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and only allowing one touchdown.
These impressive numbers from a 21-year-old athlete suggest that while he may be absent from showcases, his talents have already captured the attention of NFL scouts.
Reaction from the NFL Community
Hunter’s absence has sparked discussions among sports analysts and coaches:
– **Deion Sanders’ Influence**: The Colorado Buffaloes’ coach, Deion Sanders, has emphasized the importance of showcasing talent. His motto, “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find,” underscores the expectation for players to be present in critical evaluations.
– **Quote from Hunter**: While he has not provided comments on his decision, his commitment to maintaining dialogue with prospective teams suggests a strategic approach to his future.
Focus on Other Prospects
Amid the spotlight on Travis Hunter, other players made an impression during the Colorado Showcase:
– **Will Sheppard**: A wide receiver who was not invited to the combine turned heads with his performance. He recorded a remarkable 40.5-inch vertical jump, a noteworthy metric for NFL scouts.
– **Physical Measurements**: Sheppard also measured impressive physical statistics:
– Hands: 9⅞ inches
– Wingspan: 79¼ inches
These metrics align well with what evaluators look for in pass catchers, making him a player to watch leading up to the draft.
What Lies Ahead for Hunter?
As the draft approaches, Hunter’s strategy remains closely monitored by fans and analysts. His choices suggest he is prioritizing selective appearances and maintaining focus on meeting with top-tier NFL teams. The implications of these decisions may significantly influence his draft day selection.
– **Future Meetings**: As Hunter continues to meet with teams, his status as a top draft prospect remains intact. Insiders predict that his absence from showcases may prompt teams to weigh both his current readiness and his past performance heavily.
– **NFL Draft Date**: The NFL draft is set to begin shortly, with Hunter’s decision-making and performance under close scrutiny as teams evaluate their prospective picks.
Conclusion: Hunter’s Future Is Bright
Ultimately, while Travis Hunter’s absence from the Colorado Showcase has raised questions, it does not obscure the exceptional talent he has demonstrated on the field. With solid drafting prospects and ongoing engagement with NFL teams, Hunter remains a formidable contender to be selected early in the NFL draft. His decision to refrain from the showcase may very well serve a strategic purpose as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career.
Keywords: Travis Hunter, Colorado Showcase, NFL draft, Shedeur Sanders, Will Sheppard, college football, top prospects, Deion Sanders, NFL Combine, scouting.
Hashtags: #TravisHunter #NFLDraft2023 #ColoradoBuffaloes #CollegeFootball #NFLScouting
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