Jackson State shocked the college football world on Wednesday afternoon, when five-star recruit Travis Hunter -- who's considered one of the top high school prospects in the nation -- announced his decision to join the school and decommit from Florida State.
And now the 6-foot-1, 165-pound cornerback will get the chance to play for NFL legend Deion Sanders, who just led Jackson State to a SWAC title in his second season as head coach. The Tigers, which are an HBCU located in the capital of Mississippi, compete at the FCS level.
"[Hunter] is a legit, instant-impact star. It surprised all of us to see him go to Jackson State. I think it's a pleasant surprise," CBS Sports writer Barrett Sallee told the Tiki and Tierney show on Thursday. "To me, the fact he chose to go to Jackson State and Deion Sanders suggests that NIL is working. The draw of different schools is going to be there, based on their needs. Whatever they want to get out of college, they can go get.
"And honestly, how many FBS schools are going to be in position where they have a Hall of Fame player coaching them to get enough attention to even have a top player consider those schools? Not many. But it makes it a lot of fun. It makes it interesting. And I'm happy for him, Deion, and Jackson State. I'm sure Florida State fans aren't the happiest bunch in the world, but maybe it's a sign that Florida State should've hired Deion to begin with."
Hunter, a Georgia native who's regarded as a generational talent, released a statement via social media on Wednesday, saying in part, "Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich history in football. I want to be part of that history, and more, I want to be part of that future." As a two-way star for Collins Hill High School (Suwanee), he helped the team win a state title this month by catching 10 passes for 148 yards and forcing a fumble.
Sanders, who was an All-American star for Florida State during the mid-1980s, hinted at the possibility of a major signing on Tuesday, saying, "We're going to shock the country." On Saturday, Jackson State will face South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.
The entire college football conversation with Sallee can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Tiki and Tierney Show on Twitter @TikiAndTierney and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.