

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter is embracing the challenge of playing on both sides of the ball during his first NFL training camp, continuing the rare two-way role that made him a standout at the collegiate level.
The 2025 first-round draft pick, who excelled as both a cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders, has maintained his dual-role responsibilities with the Jaguars.
Travis Hunter impresses Jaguars coaches with sharp footwork and WR
Despite the increased pace and complexity of the professional game, Hunter has expressed confidence in managing the demands of his position.
Hunter doesn’t believe there is a problem in playing both positions
In a recent interview on the “Up & Adams” show, Hunter downplayed the difficulty of splitting time between offense and defense.
“It’s not hard at all, if I’m being honest,” he said. “The first off day we had, coming back and playing both sides, that was the only time it really affected me. Since then, I’ve felt fine.”
Hunter’s performance in training camp has generated considerable interest, particularly as he prepares to feature in Jacksonville’s upcoming preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game will offer coaches and fans their first glimpse of how the rookie handles live NFL action in both roles.
During his college career, Hunter gained national recognition for his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. His athleticism, awareness, and stamina allowed him to make high-impact plays as a lockdown corner and an explosive receiver. Transferring those skills to the NFL, however, is a different challenge-one that only a few players in modern league history have attempted.
Notably, skepticism remains about the sustainability of such a role at the professional level. Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams recently voiced his doubts about whether a player can maintain elite performance playing both offense and defense over a full NFL season. Adams questioned whether Hunter would be able to keep up with the physical and mental toll that such a responsibility demands.
Remarkable levels of self-confidence
Nevertheless, Hunter appears unfazed by the scrutiny. His early remarks and on-field energy suggest he is prepared for the test.
He credits his time at Colorado for preparing him mentally and physically, and Jaguars coaching staff have expressed interest in exploring how best to utilize his versatility.
Head coach Doug Pederson has not yet confirmed how the team plans to use Hunter during the regular season. However, by allowing him to operate on both sides of the ball throughout training camp, Jacksonville appears open to maximizing his multifaceted skill set.
As the preseason unfolds, Hunter’s ability to perform dual responsibilities will be closely monitored. Whether or not he continues this role throughout the season, his presence has already added a unique dynamic to the Jaguars’ roster.
Hunter’s early performance suggests he may not only be capable of succeeding in this demanding role-but could redefine what is possible for the next generation of NFL athletes.
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