When it comes to elite soccer talent in Colorado, the game respects the game.

And for cornerback Pat Surtain II and wide receiver Courland Sutton, Colorado’s Travis Hunter — recently named a Heisman Trophy finalist — has earned that respect.

“Seeing Travis Hunter do what he does in Colorado is special for the kids,” Sutton said after Denver’s “Monday Night Football” win over the Cleveland Browns. “I mean, he’s the epitome of an athlete.”

Both Sutton and Surtain arrived at the Week 13 matchup wearing “Travis Hunter Heisman” T-shirts, and Surtain said he believes the cornerback and wide receiver’s abilities make the standout player a leading candidate for the honor.

“I just think he’s a unique type of player,” Surtain said Wednesday. “I mean, his body of work speaks for itself. For him to come in and do the things he did, we’ve honestly never seen him before. And I look forward to his future.”

And while Sutton said he and his teammates have had several debates in the locker room about who deserves the award, the answer is clear to the veteran player.

“He goes out and plays 120 snaps a game, offensively and defensively,” Sutton said. “And he thrives on both sides of the ball and is fun to watch play. Whenever they play, you’re like, ‘All right, what did Travis Hunter do today? How many touchdowns did he have, how many interceptions did he have?’ ‘…It’s just fun to watch him play.”

Hunter – who recorded 14 touchdowns and four interceptions this season – was recently named the first consecutive winner of the Paul Hornung Award, which recognizes the most versatile player in college football. And while Surtain was hesitant to offer advice on which position Hunter should focus on if he wants to compete at the NFL level, both he and Sutton said they believe his elite talent will allow him to do it all , what he plans to do to be successful.

“I think he can do whatever he wants,” Surtain said. “Obviously he showed it at the college level. … I think he can definitely play both ways if he puts his mind to it.”

This year’s Heisman Trophy winner will be announced on Saturday, December 14, and Hunter will attempt to become just the second Colorado Buffalo to win college football’s highest honor.