Don’t rule out the Jacksonville Jaguars asking rookie cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter to play both ways for a whole game this upcoming season.
In a Tuesday interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Jaguars general manager James Gladstone explained how Hunter’s incredible stamina could enable him to play offense and defense for an entire game.
“He does not tire,” Gladstone told Sirius XM’s Andrew Siciliano. “He’s got a spark, he’s got the energy, the capacity from a physical standpoint to be able to do it is certainly there.”
Gladstone probably isn’t exaggerating. In a story published on April 17, AP Ranch’s Greg Sholars told Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde, “I’ve worked with a lot of elite athletes — Olympic sprinters, NBA guys — and by far Travis is the most unique.”
“There’s been two questions I’ve never heard him ask: How many? Or are we done?” Sholars continued. “Most people, that’s the first thing they want to know. He just goes and goes. We should dedicate his body to science.”
Hunter’s seemingly endless energy helped him play 1,552 snaps (753 offensive, 776 defensive, and 23 special teams) in 13 games for the Colorado Buffaloes in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
Still, don’t expect Hunter to play both ways extensively in the NFL. Most college two-way stars usually focus on one position at the pro level.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey played CB/WR for the Georgia Bulldogs but was primarily a CB in 15 seasons with the Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders.
“Certain game plans might dictate usage differently,” Gladstone said. “Putting a number on [a snap count] at this stage is premature.”
While they haven’t determined how to divide his workload, expect the Jaguars to attempt to maximize his two-way capabilities this season. They let him work at CB/WR during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, further tipping their plans for the 2024 Heisman winner.
