The buzz surrounding Travis Hunter’s potential to shine on both sides of the ball before the 2025 NFL Draft was hard to ignore. Fans and analysts alike speculated if this transformative talent could pull off an unprecedented feat in the NFL. Yet, the Jacksonville Jaguars chose to take a more measured, cautious approach with the 21-year-old. While they’re open to Hunter trying to conquer the impossible, they aren’t ready to set him fully free just yet.
The Jaguars are implementing a gradual, training-wheels approach for Hunter as he embarks on his two-way journey. To ensure he isn’t overwhelmed during his rookie season, they’ve decided to predominantly utilize him as a wide receiver initially. This strategy provides Hunter the much-needed breathing room to fully grasp the intricacies of the defensive playbook without feeling pressured from the start.
Hunter’s former quarterback and now conference rival, Shedeur Sanders, has expressed confidence in his former teammate’s abilities. Sanders, who knows Hunter well, believes in his aptitude for handling the challenges ahead. “He’s going to be able to do whatever he feels like doing, as long as the coach allows him to. Of course, he’s going to master one position first, but he knows what he’s up against. He’s not foolish,” Sanders stated, highlighting the exceptional football instincts Hunter possesses.
The decision to start Hunter on offense, as the Jaguars’ head coach Liam Coen confirmed, is more strategic than reactive. He underscored that while this isn’t necessarily how they envisioned Hunter beginning his NFL career, focusing on one position offers a more sustainable path for development.
After spending a week familiarizing himself with the offensive scheme, Hunter is getting ready to delve into the defensive playbook starting next week. “We wanted to clean up some of what we might have missed yesterday and get extra reps on the offensive side of the ball,” Coen explained. “Next week, he’ll start transitioning to defense.”
Given how aspirational Hunter’s two-way ambitions are, Sanders’ remarks about using specialized personnel for certain plays make sense. While Hunter’s impressive college snap counts contributed significantly to his Heisman Trophy win, it’s crucial to note that such a strategy may not be realistic—or safe—at the professional level.
Considering the hefty investments the Jaguars made to secure the second overall pick, they are bound to protect not just their asset but their future. The organization’s priority is to shield Hunter from risking too much and potentially burning out. They want him to excel, but they also want to ensure he doesn’t shoulder the weight of the franchise too soon.
Coen has characterized Hunter as a “football-smart guy,” hinting at the franchise’s confidence in his ability to digest both offensive and defensive schemes. Fans can look forward to Hunter’s professional debut on September 7, when the Jaguars face off against the Arizona Cardinals. This matchup promises to be a compelling watch, especially since it’s one of just two games kicking off at 4:05 PM EST that weekend.
With the excitement surrounding Hunter’s hybrid talent, all eyes will be glued to the screen on that Sunday. Fans across the country are eager to catch a glimpse of what many are calling a generational athlete. As Hunter steps onto the NFL stage, there’s no doubt that both the Jaguars and the fans are hoping he thrives, paving the way for an unforgettable career ahead.
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