Tag: Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, made his preseason debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 31-25 loss. True to head coach Liam Coen’s plan, Hunter played on both sides of the ball. His total workload amounted to 18 snaps a mix of wide receiver and cornerback duties giving fans a first glimpse of the versatility that made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Hunter Shows Offensive Burst, Limited Defensive Impact in Dual-Role Preseason Debut

Hunter opened the game with the first-team offense, lining up at wide receiver for 10 of the first 11 snaps. He caught two passes for 9 yards and was targeted three times by quarterback Trevor Lawrence on a drive that ended with a field goal. One of his most dynamic plays a 7-yard gain on a screen pass involving a juke and spin move was nullified by a penalty, but his burst and agility were on display.

Hunter’s defensive reps came on the Steelers’ second possession, where he took five snaps at cornerback. While he didn’t record any defensive statistics beyond a missed tackle, he returned for a few more plays later in the game, bringing his total defensive snaps to eight. Coen noted after the game that while Hunter ran his offensive routes well, defensive evaluation would require a closer look at game film.

Jaguars Limit Hunter’s Preseason Snaps to Protect Key Rookie for Season

The Jaguars’ staff intentionally kept Hunter’s workload light, prioritizing his readiness for the regular season over extended preseason exposure. His time on the field ended after the first-team offense’s opening drive, and his defensive role was similarly brief. This cautious approach reflects the team’s commitment to protecting a valuable rookie asset.

Although his debut was modest in scope, Hunter showed enough to maintain high expectations for his rookie campaign. His ability to impact the game in multiple roles remains one of the most intriguing storylines of Jacksonville’s season. Coming just one day after his former Colorado teammate Shedeur Sanders impressed for the Cleveland Browns, Hunter’s quiet but promising start has only fueled the anticipation for what’s to come.

Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ second-overall pick and reigning 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, is turning heads in training camp with his rare two-way play. During Tuesday’s session, Hunter split time between wide receiver and cornerback, donning different colored jerseys to signify the switch.

Though the change of jerseys caused minor complications, offensive teammates occasionally grabbed his loose-fitting defensive overlay, the switch is part of his growing routine with the team. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence called the spectacle “pretty crazy,” noting that he’s never seen anything like it in his football career.

Jaguars Strategically Develop Hunter’s Two-Way Role with Measured, Methodical Practice Progression

Hunter’s dual-role responsibilities are not entirely new, as he first practiced playing both positions in a Saturday night scrimmage at EverBank Stadium. There, he saw nearly equal playing time with both the first-team offense and defense. On Tuesday, the pattern continued with Hunter logging nine snaps on each side during 11-on-11 drills.

This strategic use aligns with the Jaguars’ vision when they traded up in the draft, surrendering a second-round pick and a 2026 first rounder to secure Hunter’s services. His versatility is not only impressive but part of a larger plan in his NFL development.

According to head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars have been methodically working toward this two-way deployment. Hunter initially worked exclusively at receiver during May’s organized team activities, gradually increasing his defensive reps.

By training camp’s start, he alternated between offense and defense on separate days. The latest evolution switching sides mid-practice reflects the team’s confidence in his understanding of the playbook and overall readiness. Though it may not be a daily practice, Coen hinted it would be more common than not going forward.

Hunter’s Versatility and Star Power Energize Jaguars on Both Sides of the Ball

Trevor Lawrence highlighted Hunter’s unique energy and presence on the field, emphasizing not just his skillset but also the intangibles he brings fan engagement, high energy, and visible joy in playing. Lawrence praised how Hunter is beginning to play faster and more freely as he becomes more comfortable with the team’s system.

He expressed a slight preference for seeing Hunter on offense more often, given the spark he provides, but acknowledged the value Hunter adds on both sides of the ball.

Hunter adds much-needed star power to Jacksonville, a team historically short on nationally recognized names. His collegiate performance at Colorado was exceptional on both offense and defense, making him one of the most dynamic players entering the NFL in recent memory.

The Jaguars plan to primarily use him as a slot receiver while deploying him at cornerback situationally. Whether he plays in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Steelers is still uncertain, as the coaching staff continues to weigh their approach. Coen emphasized the difficulty of deciding how much exposure Hunter and other key players should get, balancing development with caution.

Travis Hunter’s effort to contribute on both offense and defense for the Jacksonville Jaguars took a meaningful step forward during the team’s scrimmage at EverBank Stadium on Friday night. The event provided Hunter with the opportunity to showcase his versatility in a simulated game environment, a key part of the Jaguars’ plan for their first-round rookie pick.

Hunter made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, logging 17 snaps on offense and catching three passes. Defensively, he took part in 21 snaps at cornerback. Head coach Liam Coen was pleased with the performance, emphasizing that the coaching staff was able to get the type of balanced, high-quality reps they were aiming for with Hunter in this session.

Hunter Impresses in Limited Defensive Action, Shines with Ball During Jaguars Scrimmage

Coen acknowledged that Hunter didn’t get much defensive action in terms of passes thrown his way, largely due to the strong performance of the defensive line, which limited offensive plays. However, he praised Hunter’s offensive contributions, noting that the rookie showed strong ability and poise with the ball in his hands, performing at a “high level” when given the opportunity.

The scrimmage was seen as a successful milestone in Hunter’s development as a two-way player. Coen described watching Hunter work in space as “pretty cool,” expressing optimism that the performance was just the beginning for the dynamic rookie. The Jaguars appear committed to developing Hunter as a legitimate threat on both offense and defense moving forward.

All NFL rookies experience an adjustment phase, but Travis Hunter’s journey with the Jacksonville Jaguars comes with added complexity. Unlike most first-year players, Hunter is taking on a rare dual-role challenge—playing both wide receiver and cornerback. This dual responsibility inherently means twice the preparation, physical exertion, and mental workload. His development and ability to balance both positions will be closely watched as the season unfolds.

Jaguars Ease Hunter Into Dual Role With Structured Approach and Strong Team Support

To help Hunter manage the demands, the Jaguars have adopted a gradual approach during the offseason. They structured the program so that each day focused on just one of his two roles, giving him the opportunity to absorb responsibilities incrementally. This approach appears to be paying off, with coaches and teammates noticing his progress and commitment. It shows a thoughtful strategy by the Jaguars to bring out the best in their unique first-round pick.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence offered glowing praise for Hunter’s work ethic and adaptability. According to Lawrence, Hunter has stood out as one of the hardest-working players on the team. He highlighted Hunter’s dedication to learning two different systems—no easy feat for any player, let alone a rookie. While there’s still progress to be made during training camp, Lawrence’s confidence in Hunter’s potential contribution underscores the team’s high hopes.

Opponents Will Test Hunter’s Stamina, Versatility in Dual-Role Challenge All Season

Despite early signs of promise, Hunter won’t have an easy road. NFL defenses and offenses alike are known for exploiting weaknesses, and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce already pointed out that teams will likely target Hunter’s two-way role as a possible vulnerability. Whether through fatigue or mental lapses, opponents will look for ways to challenge the rookie’s ability to sustain peak performance on both sides of the ball.

Hunter’s performance throughout the season will be one of the most compelling storylines for the Jaguars in 2025. The coaching staff and front office have clearly placed a major bet on his versatility and stamina. If Hunter rises to the occasion, he could become a game-changer and a blueprint for future multi-positional NFL players. Either way, his development will be pivotal to Jacksonville’s success this season.