The Colorado coach spoke about Travis Hunter's replacement.
Deion Sanders Delivers Clear Verdict on DJ McKinney Ahead of 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Colorado coach Deion Sanders isn’t shy when it comes to praising a player he believes in, and ahead of the 2025 college football season, Sanders is setting high expectations for cornerback DJ McKinney.
With Travis Hunter, the two-way star now in the NFL, McKinney is expected to step into a much larger role in Colorado’s secondary. And based on Sanders' recent comments during an interview with ESPN at the Big 12 Media Days, the young defensive back is embracing the challenge.
“He's long, rangy, practices with attitude,” Sanders said. “I called him the other day. I said, ‘I'm seeing your name everywhere, my man. What does that mean? You're good? You’ve arrived?’ He said, ‘Coach, I'm working.’ That's what I want to hear.”
A former three-star recruit from Colleyville, Texas, McKinney appeared in nine games as a sophomore in 2024, gradually earning the trust of the coaching staff and flashing the potential to be a difference-maker. Now, with a starting spot likely his to lose, the 6-foot-2 corner has a chance to follow in Hunter’s footsteps, something Sanders believes McKinney is fully prepared to do.
“This kid works his butt off to be that guy, and he’s seen what that guy looks like,” Sanders explained. “Over on the other side last year, it was that guy. He understands how that guy practices, how that guy prepares, how that guy treats his body, how that guy makes sure he don’t put anything immune in his body, how that guy understands the game.”
Colorado’s defense made significant strides last season, with Hunter playing a Heisman-winning role in elevating the Buffaloes’ competitiveness on the perimeter. His elite instincts, ball skills, and leadership set a standard within the program, and now it’s McKinney who’s looking to carry the torch.
“He’s seen that and he wants to emulate and imitate that guy,” Sanders added.
Replacing a generational talent like Hunter won’t be easy, but McKinney has already drawn praise for his approach, effort, and attention to detail. If he continues to develop at his current pace, he could become one of the Big 12’s breakout defenders in 2025.
And in Sanders’ eyes, that journey is already underway.
Related: Deion Sanders Bluntly Shuts Down Personal Question at Colorado’s Big 12 Media Days
Related: Colorado Legend Has Clear Message for Julian Lewis Amid Ongoing QB Battle
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
