Friend of Buffs head football coach Deion Sanders shares wise words on two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter after furthering Heisman lead in Week 12 of college football

Colorado's rise to prominence is a story within itself. So is Travis Hunter's remarkable season. Not only is he in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy, but the Buffs' two-way superstar is also being recognized for his leadership qualities on and off the field.

The Buffaloes earned their eighth win of the season and fourth in a row, moving one step closer to a College Football Playoff and Big 12 title berth, defeating Utah 49-24.

Hunter had a spectacular spectacular game -- which included one rushing touchdown, an interception, 55 receiving yards, and three solo tackles.

At one point in his career, shortly after Sanders was hired, Hunter thought he couldn't be a catalyst for Colorado's future success, but one conversation between the two changed everything.

According to 247 Sports' Carl Reed, Sanders was one of the few coaches who trusted Hunter, which was all he needed to take the next step.

"When Travis Hunter chose Jackson State to play for Coach Prime, everyone said he was ruining his life," Reed wrote. "When he followed him to Colorado and still didn’t choose a “blue blood,” they said he would regret it and that it would hurt his draft stock. Trust your vision for yourself."

Deion Sanders compilments Travis Hunter for leadership, professionalism

It's clear Sanders has liked Hunter, as evidenced by his postgame interview with Fox Sports' Jenny Taft.

"He's a straight A student," Sanders said. "He ain't smoking, he ain't getting high, he ain't doing nothing stupid like that or getting drunk. He's a great human being."

Hunter must keep his nose clean moving forward, as Colorado's resurgence is nearly complete.

The Buffaloes are seeking their first appearance in the Playoff era, capping an historic turnaround.