The Jacksonville Jaguars did not pay a king's ransom to trade up three spots in the 2025 NFL Draft to select potentially the NFL's first two-way player in nearly a century, only to have him focus on one side of the ball for long. The only question was, how long would it be before the full Travis Hunter experience would be deployed?
Thursday's final minicamp practice, nearly three months before Opening Day, was never going to attempt to answer that question fully. But perhaps it offered a glimpse of the future.
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter poses for a photo after winning the Heisman Trophy award during the 2024 Heisman Trophy Presentation.
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter poses for a photo after winning the Heisman Trophy award during the 2024 Heisman Trophy Presentation.
© Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Hunter worked most of the day at wide receiver. But towards the end of practice, Hunter abruptly switched jerseys and trotted out with the defense to close out camp.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen was asked afterwards if fans could expect more of this going forward.
“Yeah, I think so,” said Coen. “That’s definitely what we have to build towards. Knowing that, during practice, he’s gonna have to do both. He wants to do it. It’s not as if it’s something where he can’t handle. But, ultimately, we have to also protect him from himself at times as well, and make sure we get out of this phase healthy. But that is absolutely the plan moving forward.”
Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun, with a big smile, called it "some AAU (Amateaur Athletic Union) stuff, when they cheating, bringing their best player over there... It's really cool. It's not too much for him. I'm very excited to see how he does."
It's safe to say that Hunter's development as a two-way player will be one of the most closely watched storylines as the 2025 NFL Season approaches.