Travis Hunter, the Jaguars’ rookie receiver turned cornerback, is set to become the NFL’s first regular two-way player since the 1960s. Through two weeks of training camp, Hunter has impressed coaches and teammates with his mental and physical commitment to the unique role.
Hunter has practiced exclusively on one side of the ball or the other, but during special teams periods, he works with coaches from the other side, rotating between offensive and defensive meetings. Coach Liam Coen and staff have meticulously planned this schedule to ensure Hunter’s success.
In a recent scrimmage, Hunter played both sides of the ball, marking the first time he has done so in an NFL practice. He took off his teal jersey and put on a white counterpart during the break, showcasing his flexibility and adaptability.
Hunter’s teammates and coaches admire his mental and physical toughness, with cornerback Jourdan Lewis stating, “He just goes out there and handles business.” Receiver Brian Thomas Jr. noted that Hunter’s biggest area of growth is in his knowledge of the offense, allowing him to execute plays confidently.
Coach Anthony Campanile highlighted Hunter’s work ethic, saying, “You see him doing the extra work out here with [secondary coach Ron Milus] and [defensive backs coach Anthony Perkins], so, he’s really taking advantage of the meeting time and the on-field time with those guys.”
Hunter’s conditioning has also been impressive, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence praising his athleticism, saying, “Just how quick he is and how shifty he is.” Coach Grant Udinski added that Hunter’s level of conditioning is “unbelievably rare,” a testament to his dedication and training.
With Saturday’s preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers looming, Coen has not yet announced whether Hunter will play on both sides of the ball. However, it’s logical that Hunter will continue to showcase his unique skills in the game, and his coaches are prepared to adapt their approach accordingly.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45900102/jacksonville-jaguars-receiver-travis-hunter-two-way-player-first-two-weeks-training-camp