Skip to content

Sanders lands No. 2 recruit Travis Hunter for Jackson State

David E. Klutho / Sports Illustrated / Getty

Deion Sanders made one of the biggest splashes in recruiting history Wednesday, as the Jackson State head coach landed five-star cornerback Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall prospect in the country, for the FCS-level program.

Hunter initially committed to Florida State, Sanders' alma mater, but had a change of heart on the first day of the early signing period.

"Florida State has always been a beacon for me," Hunter said in a letter posted to Twitter. He added, "It is a dream that is hard to let go of, but sometimes we are called to step into a bigger future than the one we imagined for ourselves. For me, that future is at Jackson State University."

The Suwanee, Georgia, native is the top-rated player in the state and at his position by ESPN. Various recruiting services consider Hunter the top overall prospect.

His commitment to the Tigers marks the first time a five-star player has signed with an FCS program since ESPN began ranking high school recruits in 2006, according to ESPN's Tom VanHaaren.

Sanders has convinced some of the nation's premier talent to attend Jackson State. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, his son, was among four ESPN 300 recruits to sign with the Tigers last year.

"I look forward to working with the iconic Deion Sanders, and especially my fellow Tigers," Hunter wrote. "And I can't wait to welcome the top athletes into the family of the HBCUs."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox