Colorado CBs coach Kevin Mathis talks Travis Hunter, Cormani McClain

The talent Colorado has at cornerback is matched by few in college football with five-stars Travis Hunter and Cormani McClain in the Buffs’ defensive backfield. Both former five-stars and the No. 1 overall CB in their respective classes, the hype is justified even though they lack experience.

On Thursday, new Colorado cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis joined the media for a press conference — along with a few other defensive assistants — and reminded us that Hunter and McClain are far from finished products.

“Both of those guys are young, and they got a lot of technique work that they need work on, but that’s what I’m here for,” Mathis said. “It’s going to be my job to make sure that those guys are playing at the top and being two of the best corners in the league.”

Regarding Hunter, Mathis added that because of his ball skills, he sees him more as a “receiver playing DB,” which is interesting considering that he played mostly corner last season at Jackson State — albeit while dealing with injuries.

Mathis, who followed head coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State, also said that Colorado has the ability to “start from the outside in” regarding its defensive makeup.

“We’re probably the only place in America that is going to start from the outside in. We’ve got two good ones on the outside that’s going to allow us to do what we need to on the inside to make plays.”

Kevin Mathis on what Cormani McClain and Travis Hunter can do for a defense.

— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) March 2, 2023

“Travis is a unique player. He has great skills. His competitiveness is out the door. He’s a different type of corner, he’s really just a football player. When I look at Travis I see him more as a receiver playing DB.”

CU CBs Coach Kevin Mathis on Travis Hunter. #SkoBuffs🦬

— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) March 2, 2023

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