A former Heisman Trophy winner praised two Heisman contenders before Saturday’s ceremony for the coveted award.

Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 while playing for Florida, wowed two-way star Travis Hunter from Colorado Sports centerindicating his elite skills on both sides of the ball.

“Well, it’s pretty crazy. I mean, yeah, we could start with the fact that he’s played over 400 more snaps than anyone else, but then Pro Football Focus ranks him among the top five receivers in the country, and one of the top five DBs in the nation . That’s crazy when you look at all the accolades he has on the offensive side and on the defensive side. Not only is he a great receiver, but he also plays defense. No, no, he is elite in both areas. That’s what sets this young man apart. Yes, it’s the touchdowns, the interceptions, but he did that too with all the eyes of the country on him and his team because of the hype and the praise that they got, he did it on one of the biggest stages and he has risen to the occasion. He wants the attention to be on him. and I think that’s what takes him even to another level.

He also praised Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, citing his “stupid” yards after contact numbers.

“I think about the physicality. I think about his mentality. I think about how he wants to inflict punishment every time the ball is put in his hands. He’s one of my favorite players because of how he carries himself. He walked across the room.” and said to me last night, “Hey, I told you in August, because I spoke to their team in August and he said, “I told you in August that I had you here.” in New York, and here I am.” .’ And I thought, ‘Damn, I love this kid even more.’ Like he has that kind of inner confidence, right? And this is a young man who has more yards after contact than anyone else in the nation. I think you might like 123 times He averages almost 10 tackles per game and also the way he runs looks a little different than Derek Henry, but it’s kind of the same behavior that they run with that they’re the attacker are. That’s why I love watching this young man. He also looks good in orange and blue.

Hunter and Jeanty were named Heisman Trophy finalists along with Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Hunter posted the best season of his career, recording 1,152 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on offense while recording 31 tackles, 11 passes defensed, four interceptions and one forced fumble. The junior has played 1,380 snaps this season – 670 on offense, 686 on defense and 24 on special teams.

Jeanty has posted 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 344 carries this year, setting a College Football Playoff-era record of 1,889 yards after contact. He has the fourth-most rushing yards in a college football season and is tied for the sixth-most rushing touchdowns, with a chance to increase his numbers in the College Football Playoff.