Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has expressed strong confidence that rookie Travis Hunter can succeed while playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season. Lawrence highlighted Hunter’s exceptional conditioning and ability to maintain energy throughout practices, signaling his belief in Hunter’s capacity to handle the demanding dual role.
When speaking with The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, Lawrence said of Hunter, “He can handle it.”
That’s what’s unique and special about him. He’s the best-conditioned guy I think I’ve ever seen. He can run all day up and down the field. I haven’t seen him tired one time. He’s fresh when he goes into the locker room after practice. Everybody else is gassed, and he’s like, ‘I feel great.’ It’s unique. I don’t know what he does, or if he’s just born that way. I know he works really hard, but it’s impressive to see him (in action).
—Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback
Hunter’s Versatility Shaped by College Success at Colorado
Travis Hunter demonstrated remarkable stamina and skill on both offense and defense during his time at Colorado, which directly informs the Jaguars’ decision to utilize him in two roles. In his final collegiate season in 2024, Hunter earned the Heisman Trophy after an outstanding performance that included 92 catches for 1,258 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown on offense. Defensively, he recorded 36 tackles, defended 11 passes, intercepted four passes, and forced a fumble.
Coach Coen Plans to Rotate Hunter Between Offense and Defense
Jacksonville’s first-year head coach Liam Coen confirmed that Hunter will actively switch between offense and defense during training camp, tailoring practice schedules to optimize Hunter’s development at both positions. Coen emphasized the importance of balancing Hunter’s workload to maximize his effectiveness.
You want to give him a couple days offense, a couple days defense, and then give him an opportunity to go flip-flop within the same practice and then that will kind of become the norm,
Coen explained.
… Every moment, every minute that he is in the building, it is accounted for and trying to make sure that we maximize his time, our time so that we can ultimately get the best outcome.
—Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach
What Hunter’s Dual Role Means for the Jaguars’ Season
Hunter’s willingness to embrace this unprecedented two-way role presents an intriguing prospect for fans and analysts alike. His rare combination of endurance and talent could make him a game-changer for Jacksonville during a pivotal season. How well he adapts to the pressures of alternating positions will be closely watched as the Jaguars prepare for a potentially groundbreaking campaign.
With strong support from teammates like Lawrence and a tailored approach from Coach Coen, Hunter’s rookie year is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most unique and closely monitored stories this season.