As Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter prepared for the NFL draft, he left no ambiguity about his ambitions.
He did not want to play on only one side of the ball. He demanded to play defense and offense.
As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for their preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, the team released its first unofficial depth chart that reflects Hunter’s wishes.
The No. 2 pick out of Colorado is listed as a starting wide receiver (alongside Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown) and as a backup outside cornerback (along with Jarrian Jones, behind Tyson Campbell).
“It’s weird, it’s probably harder logistically for us as coaches to navigate it and making sure we’re making use of all his time,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said at the start of training camp. “I think it doesn’t bother him as much. He’s pretty unfazed by some of this stuff.”
After putting up 96 catches, 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 11 passes defended and four interceptions at Colorado last year, Hunter opened training camp with more offensive reps as he worked on developing chemistry with starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
As camp went on, however, Hunter began seeing more action on the defensive side. What’s more, he is putting on a juggling act as he bounces between meeting rooms and learns multiple playbooks.
That mental side of the game, Hunter said, is the most challenging aspect.
“You’ve got to do different terms each and every day,” he said.
–Field Level Media
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