Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Excels as Dual-Position Player in NFL

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a rare display of versatility, Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ rookie receiver and cornerback, has embraced the challenge of playing dual roles in the NFL. On Monday night, Hunter made headlines for his impressive performance during a game against the San Francisco 49ers, where his 28-yard catch was pivotal in leading the Jaguars to victory.

Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2024, is part of a select group of players who have managed to contribute on both offense and defense at a professional level. The Jaguars traded four draft picks to secure Hunter at the second overall position in April, indicating their confidence in his potential to become a game-changer.

Despite entering the season with high expectations, Hunter’s adjustments have faced scrutiny. He has participated in 58% of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps and 38% of their defensive snaps, highlighting his rare capacity to contribute significantly on both sides of the ball. According to Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, the organization is keen on monitoring Hunter’s workload to ensure he remains effective without becoming overwhelmed.

“There’s absolutely a push-and-pull of saying, ‘What’s too much? What’s enough?’” said offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. “We want to maximize his impact while ensuring he can play fast and free.”

As Hunter continues to navigate his roles, he has garnered attention from prominent figures in football. Deion Sanders, his former college coach at Colorado, expressed concerns that the Jaguars may not be utilizing Hunter sufficiently on offense. However, Hunter remains focused on adapting to his responsibilities and contributing to the team’s success.

With stats showing 13 catches for 118 yards and significant defensive contributions, Hunter is proving his worth. He is already being pointed to as a key player for the Jaguars as they progress through the season. Both his teammates and coaches are optimistic about his development.

“He makes plays,” said cornerback JC Jackson regarding Hunter. “He’s a good player with instincts and the ability to shine on both sides of the field.” Hunter’s dual-position journey is rare in the NFL, hinting at a transformative potential within the league’s fabric.