"I blame Deion Sanders": Jason Whitlock blasts Coach Prime for putting Travis Hunter’s future in jeopardy as Jaguars rookie's season ends early

Jason Whitlock criticized Colorado coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders on Thursday, partly blaming him for Travis Hunter’s injury. The sports analyst mentioned that Sanders encouraged Hunter to play on offense and defense, which may have led to his knee problems.

“Travis Hunter has had season-ending knee surgery," Whitlock said on Instagram. "I contend this man had no business going both ways at Jackson State and the University of Colorado. He was mismanaged by Deion. Now he gets to the NFL with the same belief that I can play both ways and I can block. I blame Deion Sanders.”

He added that Sanders should have protected Hunter more in college and warned him about the risks of playing too many snaps.

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The Jaguars announced on Tuesday that Hunter had surgery on his right knee in Dallas to fix a ligament tear. No other damage was found and he is expected to fully recover in six months. The rookie was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 31, a day after he hurt his knee in practice.

Before getting injured, Hunter established himself as one of Jacksonville’s best receivers. He caught eight passes for 104 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown against the Rams in London on Oct. 19.

The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner had 28 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown this season. He also recorded 15 tackles and three pass breakups on defense.

Hunter first played for Sanders at Jackson State after choosing the Tigers over top college programs in 2022. He followed Coach Prime to Colorado the following year, shining on offense and defense.

Hunter amassed over 2,000 receiving yards and eight interceptions in his collegiate career. He became the first player in almost three decades to win the Heisman Trophy while playing both positions.

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Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen talks about Travis Hunter’s future after knee surgery

Liam Coen admitted that the Jaguars are thinking about changing Travis Hunter’s role after his first season ended early because of a knee injury.

The coach said the team might have him focus on just one position when he returns.

“I understand there’s a lot of questions about if he’ll remain a two-way player and all those kind of things,” Coen told reporters on Wednesday. “All of that is very premature, and at the end of the day, like every player on this roster, he’ll be evaluated at the end of the season and we’ll be able to give him his three better, three best and the things that we need to continue to improve upon and the things we need to build on.”

Coen added that Jacksonville is focused on winning against the LA Chargers in Week 11.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez