A signing day flip is nothing new for those who follow recruiting, and seeing a top rated player leave a school he’s been committed to for months for a new suitor is par for the course on National Signing Day. But nobody could have expected what occured today in Suwanee, Georgia, as Travis Hunter, rated as the consensus top player in the Class of 2022, flipped his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State, become the first five star player in modern history to sign with a HBCU.
It’s OFFICIAL #jsu #gotigers 🐅 @jacksonstatefb pic.twitter.com/UTyzMPgVH6
— Travis Hunter (@TravisHunterJr) December 15, 2021
Hunter chose Jackson State over offers from literally every powerhouse program in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Clemson. He was rated as the top player in the country regardless of position by both 247 and Rivals recruiting services. His addition to JSU’s class means the Tigers will be the only program in the state this recruiting cycle to sign a five star player.
I’m on the plane headed To the beloved ATL and I can’t wait to Land. God is Good! #IBELIEVE #CoachPrime #COTY @GoJSUTigersFB @barstoolsports @SMAC @pepsi @UnderArmour @UAFootball #GuardianCaps @Gillette @pepsi @SimplyCrowns #PrettyToneyProductions pic.twitter.com/llnWhizlbf
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) December 15, 2021
Sanders spoke on the Barstool Sports Pro Football Show earlier this week, promising to “shock the country” on National Signing Day.
This was taped yesterday. 🔥
The GOAT called his shot. You love to see it. @DeionSanders @stoolpresidente @BarstoolBigCat pic.twitter.com/aLvCGM6bkV
— Kayce Smith (@KayceSmith) December 15, 2021
Here’s some national reaction to Hunter’s decision to play for Sanders and Jackson State.
I thought the first time a No. 1 overall recruit went the HBCU route it was going to be a basketball player, but Travis Hunter just did it in football. https://t.co/URJZC4W5rJ
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) December 15, 2021
There's a strong feeling around college football that a significant NIL deal proved the driver to push top recruit Travis Hunter to Jackson State over FSU. This could be remembered as a seminal moment in recruiting, the first seismic commitment shift we've seen from NIL.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 15, 2021
BREAKING – Deion Sanders at Jackson State has landed the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, Travis Hunter, a cornerback who HAD been committed to Sanders’ alma mater, FSU. HUUUUUUGE day for Deion, Jackson State and most of all, HBCUs. https://t.co/1kQHjOtqT6
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 15, 2021
