Collins Hill graduate Travis Hunter received the 2024 Heisman Trophy December 14th, cementing him as one of the most legendary football players in Georgia history.
Travis Hunter plays for the Colorado Buffaloes, where he’s on track to graduate with a psychology degree. His journey started in Florida where he was born and raised, but it wasn’t until middle school when he moved to Suwanee that his football career was transformed. Hunter says, “[My time at Collins Hill] means a lot; that’s kind of where my journey started for real. I wasn’t a really good player going into my eighth-grade year; a lot of people helped me out in a lot of areas… I’m grateful for [my time at] Collins Hill, and for the coaches and people who helped me.” Hunter’s high school career with Collins Hill concluded with an undefeated season, a State Championship, and him attaining the No. 1 overall recruit ranking spot, so there’s no surprise that his talent and passion for the sport has led him to this renowned achievement.
Hunter’s collegiate career began strong as the top recruit, and would eventually transition into a historic run with the Buffaloes. He later became their No. 1 cornerback and No. 1 receiver, and is now only the second Colorado player to win the Heisman. His coach, Deion Sanders, says, “He wants to be great at everything. [Hunter is a] great student, great offensive player, great defensive player, and a great young man. He loves the game, loves practice, loves his family, loves his mother, loves his father, and loves his fiancée. He wants to have a commitment to excellence in everything he does.”
Hunter is the fifth player from a Georgia high school to win a Heisman, and only the second in its 90-year history who is a product of Gwinnett County. However, his accomplishments don’t stop there; he’s already won the Bednarik Award for best defender, Biletnikoff Award for best receiver, Paul Hornung Award (most versatile), and is an All American. Despite all his previous wins, he remains humble, faithful, and compassionate. Winning the Heisman exemplifies his talents, and achieving this individual honor undoubtedly solidifies him as a member of the most elite group of football players the game has ever seen.
