Just when we thought the football world was about all figured out for 2021 and most part of 2022, an avalanche of news and articles descended upon us all after the unexpected decision of Travis Hunter, announced last Wednesday, to flip to Jackson State and play for Deion Sanders after being verbally committed to Florida State for months.
Hunter, who is a cornerback regarded as the top prospect athlete in the class of 2022 is by far the top school football recruit in the United States. The publication 247 Sports had also ranked Hunter as one of the best overall athletes in the United States.
What surprised everyone was that his change of heart was broadcast live from Collins Hill High School, that is, nobody knew it beforehand.
It was a unique moment for those who saw it, Hunter was standing and facing three baseball hats as he was getting ready to make his announcement: The caps were lined up as Florida State, Auburn and Georgia. He threw all three caps away and unzipped his sweatshirt reveling a T-shirt that read “Believe”. You can watch it again and see how the crowd goes completely insane with deafening shouts of joy.
When he spoke publicly for the first time about going to Mississippi, it became clear that Sanders played a major role in his decision. Sanders is a Hall of Famer NFL player, sports analyst, and often considered to be one of the most talented NFL players of all time. His nickname “Prime Time” says it all, in a reference to whenever he was on T.V.
“I got a one in lifetime chance to play for one of the greatest,”. “I got a chance to make a change in history.” Travis said right after his announcement.
STREETOPIA learned that lawyers on both sides had already drafted the contract with Florida State, so, it wasn’t just a public and verbal commitment, Travis was indeed fully ready to sign with Florida before turning things upside down at the last minute.
Travis’ inner circle has affirmed through social media that his decision was equally balanced and considered based on coach Deion Sanders and the history behind Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi. The college was founded in 1877 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society.
Today, Jackson State University (JSU) is a public, coeducational institution that is the officially designated Urban University of the state of Mississippi. JSU offers more than 90 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a range of study fields, offered through 38 individual academic departments.
We wish all the luck in the world to the newest Mississippian.