Unveiling Travis Hunter: Future NFL Draft Pick and the Rise of the Two-Way Player

Hunter Declares Intent to Play Both Offense and Defense in the NFL

August 31, 2025

NFL Teams recently completed evaluations of prospective players at the annual Scouting Combine. While many hopefuls participated in on-field drills, Colorado standout Hunter opted to focus on meetings with team officials and media representatives.

During thes interactions, Hunter unequivocally stated his desire to contribute on both sides of the ball – as a full-time player on both offense and defense. This ambition is a notable departure from the hyper-specialization common in modern football.

A Standout Player With Unique Stats

Last season, Hunter proved to be an remarkable talent for Colorado, appearing in all 13 games. He recorded four interceptions and amassed remarkable offensive statistics, including 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. His snap counts reflect his dual role: 714 offensive snaps (87%) and 748 defensive snaps (83%).

Though, permanent two-way players are exceedingly rare in the NFL’s contemporary era. The last player to regularly start at two positions was Chuck Bednarik, who played center and linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1956.

Modern Examples of Two-Way Players

Sence 2006, only a handful of players have seen substantial action on both sides of the ball. Patrick Ricard, a fullback for the Baltimore Ravens, has logged over 200 offensive and defensive snaps, even though his defensive contributions have decreased as 2019.

Other players, such as William ‘the Refrigerator’ Perry, Troy Brown, Mike Vrabel, and Julian Edelman, have briefly participated in both phases of the game, but none maintained a consistent two-way role throughout an entire season, as Hunter did during his time with the Dallas Cowboys in 1996.

Hunter emphasized that teams should only draft him if they intend to utilize his unique skillset. He has reportedly communicated this expectation to interested franchises. “They say nobody has ever done it the way I do it, but I tell them I’m just different,” Hunter stated firmly.

Did You know? In 2023, only 12 players across the NFL had at least 50 snaps on both offense and defense, demonstrating how uncommon a dual-role player is.

A Look at Two-Way Players in NFL History

player	Years Played	Positions
Chuck Bednarik	1949-1956	Center/Linebacker
Patrick Ricard	2017-Present	Fullback/Defensive Line
Hunter	2024	Wide Receiver/defensive Back

Pro Tip: For aspiring athletes,specialization is often prioritized in modern sports. Hunter’s case highlights the potential value of versatility, but requires an exceptional skillset and willingness to adapt.

The Decline of the Two-Way Player

The evolution of professional football has lead to increased specialization. Game plans have become more complex,and the physical demands of each position require dedicated training. This has effectively eliminated the need, and the feasibility, of players excelling in multiple roles.

though,the league has seen a recent uptick in players with versatile skillsets,partially driven by the increasing emphasis on special teams. Players who can contribute on multiple phases of the game can provide valuable depth and flexibility for their teams, as detailed in a recent NFL.com article.

Frequently Asked Questions about Two-Way Players

• What is a two-way player in football? A two-way player is an athlete who regularly participates on both offense and defense during a game.
• Why are two-way players rare in the NFL today? Modern football emphasizes specialization, with players focusing on mastering a single position due to increased complexity and physical demands.
• Who was the last prominent two-way player in the NFL? Chuck Bednarik, who played from 1949-1956, is considered the last true two-way player in the NFL.
• What makes Hunter’s situation unique? Hunter is openly declaring his desire to play both offense and defense at the NFL level, a rare ambition in the current era.
• Is it possible for Hunter to succeed as a two-way player? While challenging, Hunter’s college statistics and expressed determination suggest he could perhaps succeed, contingent on a team willing to utilize his skillset.

What do you think? Will Hunter be able to defy the odds, and will NFL teams embrace this prospect? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How might travis Hunter’s success influence NFL teams’ draft strategies regarding versatile athletes?

The Travis Hunter Phenomenon: A Generational Talent

Travis Hunter isn’t just a college football player; he’s a cultural phenomenon. The five-star recruit, initially committed to Florida State, shocked the nation by flipping his commitment to Jackson State University and Deion sanders. This decision promptly put a spotlight on historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hunter’s unique skillset. Now at Colorado,following Coach Prime,Hunter continues to redefine expectations for modern football players. His ability to excel at both cornerback and wide receiver is unprecedented in the modern era, drawing comparisons to Deion Sanders himself. This article dives deep into what makes Travis Hunter a projected high NFL Draft pick and explores the implications of the burgeoning two-way player trend.

Hunter’s Dual-Threat Capabilities: Cornerback & Wide Receiver

Hunter’s versatility isn’t a gimmick; it’s a testament to his exceptional athleticism, football IQ, and dedication.

Cornerback Prowess: As a cornerback, Hunter boasts incredible ball skills, fluid coverage, and a knack for making game-changing plays. He consistently shuts down opposing receivers, displaying excellent technique and anticipation. His ability to read routes and disrupt passing lanes is elite.

Wide Receiver Brilliance: On offense, Hunter transforms into a dynamic receiving threat.He possesses exceptional hands, route-running ability, and the speed to create separation.He’s a reliable target in crucial situations and a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Statistical Breakdown (Through 2024 Season): While stats fluctuate,Hunter consistently ranks highly in both interceptions and receiving yards,showcasing his impact on both sides of the ball. (Note: Specific stats will be updated closer to the draft).

This dual-threat capability makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams and a valuable asset for any NFL team. The concept of a two-way player is gaining traction, and Hunter is leading the charge.

The Deion Sanders Influence & HBCU Impact

Hunter’s initial commitment to Jackson State was heavily influenced by Deion Sanders, now the head coach at colorado. Sanders recognized Hunter’s potential and offered him a platform to shine while concurrently elevating the profile of HBCU football.

Increased Visibility for HBCUs: Hunter’s presence at Jackson State brought unprecedented media attention and recruiting interest to the SWAC conference and HBCUs as a whole.

Sanders’ Coaching Ideology: Sanders’ emphasis on player progress, discipline, and self-belief resonated with Hunter and contributed to his rapid growth as a player.

The move to Colorado: Following Sanders to Colorado has continued this narrative, bringing even more national attention to Hunter and the Buffaloes program. This move is being closely watched by NFL scouts.

NFL Draft Projection & Potential Teams

As of September 2025, Travis hunter is widely considered a first-round NFL Draft pick. His unique skillset and potential are highly coveted by teams looking for a game-changer.

Projected draft Range: Top 10 pick is a realistic expectation, potentially even top 5 depending on his performance throughout the 2025 season.

Potential Team Fits: Teams with a need at cornerback and a creative coaching staff are likely to be interested. This includes teams like the New England patriots, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Position in the NFL: The biggest question is where he’ll play in the NFL. While some teams may want him to focus on one position, his value lies in his versatility. Expect teams to explore utilizing him in a similar two-way role, even if only situationally. NFL Combine performance will be crucial.

The Future of Two-Way Players in Football

Travis Hunter is not an anomaly; he’s a sign of things to come. The increasing emphasis on specialization in football is being challenged by players who possess exceptional athleticism and a willingness to contribute in multiple roles.

Benefits of Two-Way Players:

Increased roster adaptability.

Strategic advantages in matchups.

Potential to exploit defensive weaknesses.

Challenges for Two-Way Players:

Physical demands and risk of injury.

Need for exceptional conditioning and recovery.

Mastering multiple position-specific techniques.

evolution of the Game: Expect to see more college programs experimenting with utilizing players in multiple roles, inspired by Hunter’s success. this could lead to a shift in how football is played at the professional level. College football recruiting will increasingly prioritize versatile athletes.

Training & Development: Building a Two-Way Star

Hunter’s success isn’t solely based on natural talent. it’s the result of rigorous training and a dedicated development plan.

* Strength & Conditioning: A specialized program focused on building both