Travis Hunter is getting ready for his second year in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He would play both wide receiver and cornerback during his rookie season, something that he had done for years in high school and college football. However, things are looking a bit different as the Jags are looking to make him predominantly a wide receiver while being a part-time cornerback. Let’s take a look at what his former coach had to say about Travis Hunter transitioning into this role in the NFL.
Deion Sanders doesn’t believe Travis Hunter should change his role
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) walks on the field before an NFL football matchup, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Seahawks defeated the Jaguars 20-12.
While speaking to D.J. Saddiqi of Covers.com, Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders made it known he is not in favor of limiting what Travis Hunter is able to do.
“They’re not going to ask me. I thank God that you’re asking me. The kid won the Heisman Trophy playing both sides of the ball. That’s all I’ve got to say on that. … There’s no comparison to what he’s able to produce on the field. It’s no comparison. I can’t say wo I would compare him to, because I would be lessening that person. That’s not fair to him or the persons that I’m comparing to. He’s different, man.”
Hunter was limited to just seven games in his rookie season. He recorded 28 receptions on 45 targets for 298 yards (10.6 yards per catch) with one receiving touchdown. As a cornerback, he allowed nine catches on 18 targets (50.0%) with zero touchdowns allowed, and three pass deflections. Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy as a member of the Colorado Buffaloes before entering the NFL Draft.
There have been players who have had success playing both sides of the field in football history. However, Travis Hunter suffered a torn LCL in his right knee, forcing him to go on season-ending Injured Reserve. Earlier this offseason, Jaguars general manager James Gladstone mentioned that Hunter will see an uptick in cornerback snaps while still playing wide receiver in certain packages. This is a chance for the Jaguars to keep him healthier.
This makes sense after the team was aggerssive in adding wide receivers in the NFL Draft, selecting CJ Williams and Josh Cameron in the sixth-round in April. While Travis Hunter is still going to be playing both sides, it will be intriguing to see how many snaps on offense and defense he winds up playing.