Travis Hunter set to blaze new trails as Jaguars’ dynamic two-way threat in debut against Panthers
The Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to unleash Travis Hunter on the NFL stage. The rookie, selected second overall in this year’s draft, is set to make a splash in his debut by taking on a dual role. The Jaguars plan to deploy him as a full-time wide receiver while still allowing him to contribute at cornerback when they face off against the Carolina Panthers.
Coaching Strategy and Workload Management
Head coach Liam Coen has hinted at a flexible approach regarding Hunter’s utilization. He acknowledged the need to adapt Hunter’s workload based on the game’s flow and his overall health. “We’ve got to be smart with it,” Coen stated. “He’s shown he can handle both sides, but we’ll figure out the right balance.”
Currently, the team views Hunter primarily as a receiver, with the ability to shift into the secondary when required. The first regular-season depth chart reflects this strategy, listing him as a starting wideout while designating him as a reserve cornerback.
A Historic Role in the NFL
Hunter’s unique position isn’t without precedent in the NFL. Only three players in the modern era have taken the field as starters at both wide receiver and cornerback in the same game: Deion Sanders, Champ Bailey, and Antonio Cromartie. Notably, Sanders, who once coached Hunter at Colorado, accomplished this feat nearly three decades ago, making Hunter’s journey a fascinating one to watch.
Training Camp Performance and Expectations
During training camp, Hunter demonstrated his ability to handle the dual responsibilities, splitting his snaps almost evenly between offense and defense. His speed, instincts, and stamina have impressed teammates, affirming the confidence the coaching staff has in him. Although a minor injury temporarily slowed him down, he has since returned to full practice leading up to Week 1.
While the Jaguars are keeping their plans for Hunter’s defensive snaps under wraps, the emphasis on featuring him prominently in their offensive scheme underscores his importance to their game plan. If Hunter performs as he did in college, the Jaguars could be equipped with one of the league’s most electrifying two-way threats right from the start.
Looking Ahead
As the Jaguars prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on Hunter. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball could redefine how teams approach dual-threat players in the modern NFL. The anticipation surrounding his debut is palpable, and the potential for a historic performance looms large.
