FSU football: Should Noles pursue Travis Hunter Jr. in transfer portal?

Should FSU Pursue?

Man, that’s tough, considering how things went last year on Early Signing Day. Here are some things to consider. Travis Hunter probably didn’t develop as much as one should have at Jackson State because of the injuries, missing games, and practice time.

There’s the optical side where FSU doesn’t want to get burned by the same guy again when they thought he would be a Nole. I’ve watched some of JSU’s games this year, but I noticed some things in the Celebration Bowl Saturday.

Travis Hunter Jr. is still an exceptional talent, but it’s clear he needs to get into a top-tier strength and conditioning program immediately. He got bullied against NC Central on defense and wasn’t always able to create separation at wide receiver. However, the one thing that caught my eye was his attitude.

Travis Hunter Jr. should have been flagged at least twice for pushing or shoving an opposing player AFTER the play was over. One was when he got stiff-armed into the ground, and his helmet came off, and another play was in the end zone after a defensive back defended him well on a play.

I understand players at that level zero in on him and want to make a play against him, likely talking trash in the process. However, I didn’t see anyone holding him accountable. Did Deion Sander allow him to do whatever because of his status as a recruit?

Maybe, but the question the coaching staff has to answer is would Travis Hunter Jr. fit into the culture at FSU now? FSU’s a different team than they were a year ago, and it’ll be interesting to see if they get him to visit campus.

Almost every player FSU has heavily pursued from the transfer portal has made it to campus. If he doesn’t visit campus? Travis Hunter either isn’t interested in FSU anymore, or the coaches didn’t put out the full-stop press. However, if he visits schools other than Colorado, that will tell you if he’s serious about finding the right fit or following Deion Sanders.

I was onboard with going after him if he entered the portal a couple of weeks ago, but his actions in the Celebration Bowl is giving me pause. However, the coaches have interacted with him face-to-face a gazillion times, and I’d trust their judgement.