Travis Hunter Ready to Silence Doubters With Two-Way Performance in NFL

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded two places high in the NFL Draft to pick the dual-threat Travis Hunter from the Colorado Buffaloes

Travis Hunter Ready to Silence Doubters With Two-Way Performance in NFL

Travis Hunter (Image via AP)

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As the season inches closer with training camp already underway, the spotlight’s on the rookie sensations. One of the most eagerly awaited performances is Travis Hunter, a dual-threat athlete who’s ready to show off both sides of the ball.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ newest weapon is looking to make history by becoming the league’s first full-time two-way player since Chuck Bednarik in 1962. The early signs from the Jags’ camp have been highly positive; his ambitious motion to play both sides might be a reality.

After dazzling fans and scouts alike during his time at Colorado, where he seamlessly played both receiver and cornerback, Hunter has landed in Jacksonville with a clear goal to prove that the two-way experiment isn’t a novelty.

The Jaguars are taking a measured approach, carefully scheduling Hunter’s reps as they prepare him for the unique physical and mental grind of playing offense and defense professionally. Instead of rapidly switching between roles during a single practice, Hunter is being given full days on each side of the ball: two days on offense and two on defense so far.

In a recent media availability post Friday practice, Hunter admitted that the slow-paced harmony has enabled him to master the dynamics of the league:

I need to be able to process everything fast, quick. If I’m on the defensive side and the offense changes their strength, I’ve got to know what I’m doing right away. And if they change the play, same thing. So I like that we’re starting off slow, getting me adjusted, making sure I know where I need to be on one side of the ball each day. Then it’ll all come together.

Liam Coen has no plans to rush the development of Travis Hunter

Jacksonville Jaguars first-time head coach Liam Coen echoed that sentiment in the Friday media availability. He mentioned that while Hunter is expected to play both ways in the same practice eventually, the coaching staff is not rushing the timeline:

It’s probably harder, logistically, for us as coaches to navigate it. We’re trying to make the most of his time without overwhelming him. But honestly, he’s handled it all really well. He’s pretty unfazed by this stuff.

That cool-headed approach was on display Friday when Hunter got 23 reps during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during the second session of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during the second session of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Image via Imagn Images)

Although quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Nick Mullens didn’t throw in his direction, the reps still gave Hunter a chance to learn on defense. He even matched up with first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr., offering a preview of the high-level battles he could face if his two-way role takes off.

Despite the light target share, Hunter isn’t anxious or bothered.

“I enjoyed it. But I just needed to be on the field a lot more so I can continue to learn the defense and do what I need to do,” Travis said of his day on defense.

Travis Hunter has also been utilising the maximum from the coaching personnel even away from his time on the field. Hunter, reportedly, spends time and receives coaching from secondary specialists Ron Milus and Anthony Perkins on defensive days, and trains under Edgar Bennett and Tyler Tettleton when it’s the offense’s turn.

Travis Hunter has shaped up to become an awaited player to watch with his unique skill set. He understands that what he did before was much easier. Playing in the NFL takes more skill and puts more pressure on the mind. He’s been spending a lot of time getting ready for that.

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