The NFL's combine in Indianapolis is complete. Two former CU stars were the subject of lots of attention from scouts, team executives and the gathered media. We all know who they are: Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.
As mentioned often in prior columns, perhaps the greatest player ever (Hunter) and the most NFL-ready quarterback in school history. The latter being the next generation of legendary Sanders name garnering much attention. Greatness on the field and unrivaled confidence and bravado before, mostly, adoring media and passionate fans.
Hunter's stock continues to rise but the prevailing question still remains, as Bob Dylan sang in 1962, "The answer is blowing in the wind." A little history for you. Folklore has it that the song was sung by former slaves who fled to Nova Scotia after Britain abolished slavery in 1833. Throw that out to buddies sometime.
Back to the point. Hunter. Will team's allow the Florida native to play both offense and defense? Some scouts suggest his best position is defense, as a lockdown type cornerback. Others disagree - I'm among them - and believe the offensive skills the 6'1" 190-pound receiver brings to the game are unmatched.
Hunter has it all: speed, agility and an uncanny knack for catching the pigskin when you least expect it. Every time the young man gets his hands on the football? The gathered wondered, "What am I gonna see this time?" Wouldn't it be fun to be a fly on the wall in NFL team meetings with general managers, coaches and other personnel decision-makers having the discussion about the best use of Hunter's talents?
CU football standout athlete Travis Hunter flashes a No. 1 with his finger after a win against CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK
Just one man's opinion. Play him on offense and occasionally, when it's obvious the opponent is pass happy, look to Hunter. He'll probably be right next to the head coach begging to enter the game. Turn him loose in the hunt of a pick six. Hunter with the ball in his hands is one of the most dynamic players this 67-year-old has ever witnessed. Extremely rare skills and a nose for the end zone terrifying to defensive coordinators.
Sanders? Opinions are all over the place. A buddy is a long-time NFL scout. Off the record he confidently states, "He's the best quarterback in this year's draft." Hummm. Just don't know if your scribe agrees. Without question the sweet-slinging Sanders is a tantalizing prospect. For NFL standards, a decent arm, accurate and flinger of a very "catchable" ball.
Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
However, the ever-smiling handsome young man often makes decisions that are head scratchers. At the combine, Sanders boasted, "Any team looking to rebuild your fortunes? I'm your guy." Love the confidence but wonder a few things: Can Sanders process the game fast enough? That's required of NFL quarterbacks. The game moves extremely fast. Scan. Decide. Throw.
Required within about two seconds. Quick thinking is critical. Those mad scrambles Sanders often used to garner more time to make a play? At the college level, frequently leading to huge losses? Can reliance on physical skills - good not great at the NFL level - lead to devastating drive-killing mistakes? Can an urge to roam evaporate?
In my mind? Those are the two biggest questions as the personable quarterback takes his game to the next level. For the first time, free of his father's daily influence. As a sports writer who gets to write about this kinda stuff? It's gonna be fascinating to watch it all unfold.
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Sanders has all the skills necessary to shine at the next level. It will not take much improvement physically. What will be required is the 23-year-old mature in decision making, understanding limitations and humble himself to an NFL quarterback. It's more than okay to surrender a play and live for the next down.
Pundits declare, "He's gonna be a star!" Others defer. "He'll be the next Geno Smith." Smith is the current quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. The 34-year-old played for the Jets, Giants and Chargers before, since 2019, settling in the Emerald City. Good but not great.
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Suddenly a question manifests itself. Buff fans? What's next? After watching these two greats? The answer is blowing in the wind.
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This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM.