Travis Hunter, the much-talked-about No. 2 overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft and a former Heisman Trophy winner, is ready to shine on the field. Despite dealing with an upper-body injury during the preseason, Hunter is making a strong return as Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone announced that he is “rolling full speed” ahead of the team’s opening game against the Carolina Panthers on September 7.
Hunter did not participate in the Jaguars’ last two preseason games and limited his practice sessions leading up to the start of the regular season. However, in the first preseason game he played, he showcased his dual talent. He was on the field for 19 snaps, contributing 11 plays on offense and 8 on defense.
Gladstone confirmed that the Jaguars plan to utilize Hunter on both sides of the ball when the regular season begins, emphasizing that there has been no change in their strategy. “We expect him to be who we know him to be, and that’s somebody who impacts both sides of the football,” he noted. Fans eagerly await to see how Hunter will contribute during games, particularly on Sundays and Monday nights.
According to reports, during his full participation in training camp practices, Hunter participated in 364 snaps across various drills. Of these, 188 were on offense, while 176 were defensive snaps. The Jaguars have been careful in managing his training, allowing him to focus on one position at a time before asking him to play both ways in the same practice.
In a recent interview, head coach Liam Coen highlighted the team’s ambitious goal for Hunter. He proposed that about 80% of the offensive snaps could be a regular target for him, with hopes of matching that number on defense as well. Coen explained that they focused more on Hunter’s offensive role during training because it required more development compared to his natural defensive skills. “It’s much more natural for him to just go walk out on the field and play corner,” Coen remarked.
Hunter, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, had an impressive final season at Colorado. He participated in 753 offensive snaps, 776 defensive snaps, and an additional 23 on special teams last year. His contributions included catching 96 passes for 1,258 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns, along with an additional rushing touchdown. Hunter also proved his prowess on defense with four interceptions and a crucial fumble recovery in a tight overtime win against Baylor.
In his lone preseason appearance, Hunter started as an offensive player but contributed to the Jaguars’ defense when needed. Although his two receptions against the Pittsburgh Steelers only gained 9 yards, the significance of his role was evident, and the team’s confidence in him was clear. Following concerns about his preseason limitations, Gladstone assured fans about Hunter’s readiness for the regular season.
Travis Hunter is not just another rookie; he is a unique prospect who commands attention. His ability to impact games on both offense and defense makes him a fascinating player to watch. As the Jaguars prepare for their upcoming season opener, all eyes will be on Hunter to see how he translates his college success into the professional arena. The excitement is palpable as fans and the team alike look forward to what promises to be an exhilarating season with Hunter’s myriad talents on display.
