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Throughout the offseason, varying reports surfaced about Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter's role going forward.
However, Hunter, head coach Liam Coen, and General Manager James Gladstone put an end to the rumors that the former No. 2 overall pick would be moving to one side of the ball.
Thus far at training camp, this has been the case, as Hunter has continued to play wide receiver and defensive back, ramping up his snap count with each practice.
ESPN Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco has tracked Hunter's snaps at each practice throughout Week 1, noting that he has played 34 on defense and 22 on offense.
DiRocco also said that Sunday's practice was maybe the "most impressive practice of his career," as the former Heisman winner recorded two deep receptions and an interception.
Following his strong showing, Hunter sat down with NFL Network's Judy Battista, where he gave a blunt response about how many snaps he envisions himself playing this year.
"All of them," Hunter said. "I can't stay on the sideline for nothing."
This competitive spirit fuels Hunter's work ethic and production on the field, as he has frequently backed himself up as a two-way player, even saying he would rather quit football than having to play just one side.
While it remains to be seen if this is plausible deeper into Hunter's career, his drive to continue playing both wide receiver and defensive back is applaudable.
Last season, Hunter played 67 percent of his snaps on offense, with the former Colorado star spending roughly a third of his playing time in the NFL on defense.
But, with emerging offensive talents like Brenton Strange and Parker Washington joining Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers, the team had initially indicated Hunter would likely be deployed more on defense once healthy.
Prior to being sidelined with an MCL tear last season, Hunter recorded 298 receiving yards and one touchdown on 28 receptions along with 15 tackles and three passes defensed.
His injury came at an unfortunate time, as Hunter had just began to look like a dynamic force on both ends.
Recent footage from OTAs and practice showed Hunter hitting running speeds upwards of 22 miles per hour. Both Coen and Hunter have talked about feeling even faster since before the injury, which is a testament to the second-year player's work ethic.
This speed, along with the unique skillset Hunter possesses, has seemingly built the trust his teammates have for him as well.
In early July, veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead joined SiriusXM NFL Radio, where he called Hunter the "most naturally talented athlete" he had ever played with.
"Things will slow for him, just like they do for all of us. He’ll be going into his second year being in the same system, around the same coaches, and knowing what is asked of him," Armstead said. "We know how challenging that can be as a rookie just mastering one side of the ball, so I think in year 2 he’s going to take a huge step and help our team in a lot of different ways."
A healthier, faster, and stronger Hunter spells trouble for the AFC South and the rest of the NFL.
Continue reading...
However, Hunter, head coach Liam Coen, and General Manager James Gladstone put an end to the rumors that the former No. 2 overall pick would be moving to one side of the ball.
Thus far at training camp, this has been the case, as Hunter has continued to play wide receiver and defensive back, ramping up his snap count with each practice.
ESPN Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco has tracked Hunter's snaps at each practice throughout Week 1, noting that he has played 34 on defense and 22 on offense.
DiRocco also said that Sunday's practice was maybe the "most impressive practice of his career," as the former Heisman winner recorded two deep receptions and an interception.
Following his strong showing, Hunter sat down with NFL Network's Judy Battista, where he gave a blunt response about how many snaps he envisions himself playing this year.
"All of them," Hunter said. "I can't stay on the sideline for nothing."
This competitive spirit fuels Hunter's work ethic and production on the field, as he has frequently backed himself up as a two-way player, even saying he would rather quit football than having to play just one side.
While it remains to be seen if this is plausible deeper into Hunter's career, his drive to continue playing both wide receiver and defensive back is applaudable.
Last season, Hunter played 67 percent of his snaps on offense, with the former Colorado star spending roughly a third of his playing time in the NFL on defense.
But, with emerging offensive talents like Brenton Strange and Parker Washington joining Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers, the team had initially indicated Hunter would likely be deployed more on defense once healthy.
Prior to being sidelined with an MCL tear last season, Hunter recorded 298 receiving yards and one touchdown on 28 receptions along with 15 tackles and three passes defensed.
His injury came at an unfortunate time, as Hunter had just began to look like a dynamic force on both ends.
Recent footage from OTAs and practice showed Hunter hitting running speeds upwards of 22 miles per hour. Both Coen and Hunter have talked about feeling even faster since before the injury, which is a testament to the second-year player's work ethic.
This speed, along with the unique skillset Hunter possesses, has seemingly built the trust his teammates have for him as well.
In early July, veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead joined SiriusXM NFL Radio, where he called Hunter the "most naturally talented athlete" he had ever played with.
"Things will slow for him, just like they do for all of us. He’ll be going into his second year being in the same system, around the same coaches, and knowing what is asked of him," Armstead said. "We know how challenging that can be as a rookie just mastering one side of the ball, so I think in year 2 he’s going to take a huge step and help our team in a lot of different ways."
A healthier, faster, and stronger Hunter spells trouble for the AFC South and the rest of the NFL.
Continue reading...
