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, named 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 named 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 ranking among the national leaders with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 21 catches that went 20-plus yards 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.
Notre Dame’s Watts has five interceptions, tied for most among safeties, and he’s responsible for six of the Irish’s nation-leading 28 takeaways. Against Southern California, he became the first Notre Dame player to return an interception 100 yards. His 12 career picks are most by a Notre Dame player since 1996.
CSU’s Gardner on third team>> Colorado State center Jacob Gardner was named to AP’s All-America third team. The Cucamonga, Calif., native did not allow a sack all season.