There are plenty of rookies that the NFL-loving world is waiting to see, with many making their official professional debuts during preaseason Week 1. One of the biggest is Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter.
Hunter played defense and offense with the Colorado Buffaloes, leading to his winning the Heisman Trophy, and getting drafted No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, it will be up to the young two-way player to play at a high level on both sides of the ball moving forward.
Even more exciting is that the Jaguars have announced that Hunter will make his debut in Week 1 of preseason, and is slated to play on both defense and offense.
According to NFL insider Cameron Wolfe:
"Jaguars HC Liam Coen says his starters including QB Trevor Lawrence and WR/CB Travis Hunter will play Saturday in preseason opener vs. Steelers.
Hunter will play both CB and WR during the game. Unicorn NFL debut."
Hunter can make a huge impression and prove why he was sought-after enough for the Jaguars to trade multiple picks to move up to No. 2 to snag him.
Hunter impressed throughout his college tenure and had career-highs in total yards and interceptions during his final season with the Buffaloes.
In 2024, Hunter secured four interceptions and 11 passes defended as a cornerback, and 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wide receiver. This elite skill set at two positions led to his receiving the Heisman Trophy.
There are plenty who are skeptical that Hunter can play defense and offense at an elite level, such as current Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams stated on "The Pivot Podcast" that he believes Hunter cannot play both positions at a high level throughout his career.
"I don't even think it's possible to do, for real. Not at a high level," Adams said.
"I'm not even concerned so much if he can do it over the course of a game or season, it's more like how long is his career going to be if he's playing that many snaps?" Adams said. "Once you get out there playing both sides, now you have to tackle. You've got to tackle Derrick Henry with that frame."
Adams has a point in that there are very few players who can play offense and defense at a high level, or even two sports well, such as Hunter's mentor, Deion Sanders.
Despite the doubt, Hunter can prove everyone wrong starting Week 1 when the Jaguars take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.
For more on the Jaguars and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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