"Messed up the integrity of the award": Coach Prime takes a firm stand for Travis Hunter after his omission from major award's final list

Travis Hunter is in the mix to take home the Heisman Trophy with his stellar play on both offense and defense. Hunter is regarded as one of the top players in the country. He is seen to be predominantly a cornerback instead of a receiver and will likely translate to the NFL as a defensive back.

Hunter was widely believed to be a clear contender for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the top defensive back in college football. On Tuesday afternoon, the finalists for the award were announced, and to the surprise of many, Hunter's name was left off the list.

Among those appalled by Hunter being snubbed from the Jim Thorpe Award was his head coach, Deion Sanders, who had a powerful statement concerning the matter.

"How?" Sanders asked. "How is Travis Hunter snubbed by the Jim Thorpe Award? You can have my award, I'll give it back. In fact, I'll give it to him.

"I don't think there's really an argument about this young man being the best defensive back in college football. He's always on point. They pretty much all but messed up the integrity of the award. He can have mine."

Hunter has recorded 31 tackles, three interceptions, nine passes defended and forced a game-winning fumble against TCU.

Travis Hunter listed as finalist for several major awards

Despite being left off the finalists list for the Jim Thorpe Award, Hunter has been listed as a finalist for several other major awards. On Tuesday, Hunter was named a finalist for the Chuck Bednairk Award along with Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Penn State's Abdul Carter. The award is given to the top defensive player in college football.

Hunter was also listed as a finalist for two offensive awards. He was named a finalist for the Maxwell Award along with Dillon Gabriel and Ashton Jeanty, given to the collegiate football Player of the Year.

The Buffaloes star was also among the finalists for the Biletnikoff Award along with Tetairoa McMillan and Nick Nash.

Finally, the two-way player was listed as a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award along with Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward, given to the top player in college football.

Travis Hunter could be in for a massive haul of awards at the end of the season. The wide receiver and defensive back is slated to earn national honors after being snubbed from the Thorpe Award finalists list.