Travis Hunter was a star on both sides of the ball at Colorado, winning a Heisman Trophy on the strength of his play at both cornerback and wide receiver.
But questions remained about whether Hunter would be able to replicate the feat with the Jacksonville Jaguars. While it will still be weeks before Hunter participates in practices with real hitting, the Jaguars are already giving hints that he will have the strength and endurance to continue playing both offense and defense.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen shared praise for the physical growth Hunter has shown as he has been getting himself into shape to play in the NFL.
“I think he’s physically grown," Coen told reporters at the conclusion of the team's minicamp. "You looked at, we had the weight room goals and accomplishments that we had this spring, and he was up there with some of the guys who have put on the most muscle mass since getting here this spring."
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) talks with quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the 10th organized team activity at Miller Electric Center
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) talks with quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the 10th organized team activity at Miller Electric Center
© Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Coen added that it will be difficult for Hunter to play on both sides of the ball, but hinted that the rookie looked ready to do it.
"It’s a lot of volume. This is not an offense specifically that you just go out, line up and play. There’s a lot of shifts and motions and two play calls, sometimes three play calls," Coen said. "So, it is a lot, and then him having to obviously do defense as well.
"You see the type of guy that he is. He’s in here early, he stays late, and wants to work. He loves the game. The growth will continue. I think we’ll see a little bit more of a jump once we get into training camp as well.”