Charles Woodson Makes It Clear Who He's Voting For 2024 Heisman
No defensive player has won the Heisman Trophy since Charles Woodson in 1997. The Hall of Famer could help snap that drought this weekend.
Woodson is among the 57 former Heisman winners voting for this year's award. The former Michigan cornerback will choose between Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.
On Wednesday, Jim Rome asked if he should assume Woodson voted for Hunter. Woodson laughed before confirming that suspicion.
"That would be a safe assumption," Woodson replied.
Like most onlookers, Woodson is blown away by Hunter's ability to play full-time at wide receiver and cornerback.
"When you watch Travis, of course, you're in awe of the fact that he's on the field just about 100 percent of the time ... That's what we did in high school," Woodson said. "You didn't come off the field -- special teams, offense, or defense. For him to be doing it at this level is pretty impressive."
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 14: Former Las Vegas Raiders player Charles Woodson speaks after receiving his Hall of Fame ring before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Chris Unger/Getty Images.
Woodson also noted that Hunter plays both positions at a high level. The junior has caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns while collecting four interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
"Alongside just a sheer number of plays, there's production that goes along with that," Woodson continued. "I love watching him play because you know you're not going to miss any moment because he's never off the field. There's always a moment to watch him do this thing."
Rome isn't the only one assuming Hunter will win the Heisman. DraftKings Sportsbook pegs him at a substantial -2000 favorite over Jeanty (+800), who has tallied 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns for a Boise State team preparing for the College Football Playoff.
Either way, it appears highly likely that a non-quarterback will receive the Heisman for the second time in the last nine years. DeVonta Smith became the fourth wide receiver to win the award in 2020, and Woodson is the only cornerback to land the honor.
The Heisman ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
