Colorado’s Travis Hunter to Play Both Offense and Defense in Preseason

Jaguars to Unleash Two-Way Star Travis Hunter in Preseason Debut

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Jacksonville Jaguars fans will get their first glimpse of highly touted rookie Travis Hunter in live action this weekend, and it won’t be limited to one side of the ball. Head coach Liam Coen confirmed today that Hunter, the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will see playing time at both wide receiver and cornerback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the team’s first preseason game.

Hunter, the 2024 heisman Trophy winner from the University of Colorado, earned national acclaim for his exceptional ability to excel on both offence and defense during his college career. The Jaguars traded up to secure the versatile athlete, sparking immediate speculation about how the team would utilize his unique skillset.

Initially, the coaching staff planned a phased approach, focusing Hunter’s training primarily at receiver while gradually introducing defensive opportunities. Though, Coen’s announcement signals a willingness to showcase Hunter’s full potential from the outset. he currently appears on the depth chart as a holder at wide receiver and will fill in as a cornerback during the game.

“He will make decisive actions wherever he is on the ground,” said Jaguars quarterback Trevor lawrence, expressing his excitement about playing alongside Hunter. “He’s so talented it’s tough to leave him on the bench. I hope he plays more on offense, but provided that it makes us better – and he will – I’ll support him entirely.”

During his time wiht the Colorado Buffaloes, Hunter amassed impressive statistics, recording 153 receptions for 1,979 yards and 20 touchdowns on offense, alongside 66 tackles, 16 pass defenses, and 7 interceptions on defense across two seasons.

The Jaguars also plan to give starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence playing time in the preseason matchup. Fans are eagerly anticipating seeing how Hunter’s versatility impacts the team’s performance as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.

(Photo Credit: © Corey Perrine/florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

What potential risks does Travis hunter face by playing significant snaps on both offense and defense?

Teh Dual-Threat Dynamic: Hunter’s Versatility on display

Colorado Buffaloes cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter is set to showcase his exceptional athleticism and versatility during the upcoming preseason, confirmed by head coach deion Sanders. Hunter will participate in practices on both sides of the ball – offense and defense – a move that has generated significant buzz within the college football world. This isn’t a new concept for Hunter,who excelled as a two-way player in high school,but the demands of Power Five football present a unique challenge.The decision highlights Coach Sanders’ belief in Hunter’s capabilities and the team’s strategic versatility. Expect increased attention on Hunter’s performance and workload management throughout the preseason.

Why Play Both ways? Examining the Strategic Advantages

The decision to utilize Travis Hunter on both offense and defense isn’t simply about showcasing his talent. Several strategic advantages underpin this bold move:

Matchup Problems: Hunter’s presence on offense forces defenses to account for his receiving skills,potentially creating favorable matchups for other Colorado receivers. Conversely, his defensive prowess keeps opposing offenses honest.

Increased Defensive Versatility: Having a player with Hunter’s coverage skills allows the Colorado defense to employ more diverse schemes and potentially disrupt passing attacks.

Special Teams Impact: While preseason focus is on offense and defense,Hunter’s athleticism also makes him a valuable asset on special teams,adding another layer of potential impact.

Opponent Preparation: Forcing opposing coaching staffs to prepare for Hunter in multiple roles complicates game planning and can lead to strategic errors. This is a key element of “Prime Time” Sanders’ coaching philosophy.

Hunter’s Position Breakdown: Roles and Responsibilities

While details are still emerging, here’s a breakdown of Hunter’s expected roles:

Cornerback (Defense): Hunter is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Colorado secondary, utilizing his exceptional ball skills and coverage ability to shut down opposing receivers. He’s a projected NFL Draft prospect at this position.

Wide Receiver (Offense): Hunter will likely line up as a slot receiver, leveraging his quickness and route-running ability to create separation and make plays in the short and intermediate passing game.

Limited Special Teams: Expect to see Hunter involved in kick or punt returns, capitalizing on his speed and agility.

Workload Management: The Biggest Challenge

The moast significant concern surrounding Hunter’s dual role is workload management. Playing significant snaps on both sides of the ball is physically demanding, increasing the risk of injury and fatigue.

Snap Count Monitoring: Coach Sanders and the Colorado training staff will closely monitor Hunter’s snap count during practices and games to prevent overexertion.

Strategic Substitution: Expect to see Hunter rotated strategically, allowing him to rest and recover while maintaining a high level of performance.

Conditioning Focus: Hunter’s preseason conditioning regimen will be tailored to prepare him for the demands of playing both ways, emphasizing endurance and recovery.

Injury Prevention: Proactive injury prevention measures, including targeted strength training and flexibility exercises, will be crucial.

Ancient Precedents: Two-Way Players in College Football

While rare in modern college football, playing both offense and defense isn’t unprecedented. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Charles Woodson (Michigan): A Heisman trophy winner, Woodson excelled as both a cornerback and wide receiver for the Wolverines in the late 1990s.
2. Deion Sanders (Florida State): Coach Sanders himself famously played both cornerback and wide receiver during his collegiate career. This personal experience likely informs his decision with Hunter.
3. Terrell Owens (Tennessee-Martin): Before becoming an NFL superstar, Owens showcased his versatility as a two-way player at the Division I-AA level.

These examples demonstrate the potential for success, but also highlight the challenges associated with balancing the demands of two positions.

Impact on Colorado’s Offense and Defense: Key Players to Watch

Hunter’s versatility will have a ripple effect across the Colorado roster.

Offensive Impact: