Travis Hunter made no secret about his intentions of playing both ways in the NFL after doing so during his decorated college career. The Heisman winner remains on track to do just that during his rookie campaign with the Jaguars. 
Shortly after Jacksonville moved up to No. 2 to select Hunter, general manager James Gladstone said the majority of his work during the spring would come at the receiver position. Over time, though, the acclimation period included time and on-field work with both the offense and defense. During OTAs and minicamp, Hunter began taking reps as a corner in addition to his WR work.
During his most recent comments on the matter – an interview with Andrew Siciliano on SiriusXM radio – Gladstone clarified that Hunter was more comfortable at corner upon entry into the league, something which informed the team’s decision to focus on the receiver position at first. As the 22-year-old becomes more at ease in both capacities, though, training camp will see him continue to his expand his workload. With respect to gameday usage during the season, Gladstone confirmed a notable workload on offense and defense can be expected.
“He does not tire,” the rookie general manager said of Hunter (audio link). “He’s got a spark, he’s got the energy, the capacity from a physical standpoint to be able to be able to do it is certainly there. Certain game plans might dictate usage differently. Putting a number on [a snap count] at this stage is premature.”
Indeed, plenty of time remains for the Jaguars to finalize their depth chart at receiver and in the secondary. That process will be key in determining how much Hunter is relied upon during his rookie season. Jacksonville’s receiver room has undergone several changes this offseason and he could occupy a key role in tandem with Brian Thomas Jr. for years to come. On the other hand, Montaric Brown, Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones are all in place after leading the team in cornerback snaps last season. Hunter could be comparatively eased into playing time on defense as a result.
In any case, the way Jacksonville uses him will make for one of the team’s most interesting storylines over the course of the campaign. Hunter’s workload could shift from one week to the next, and his success in balancing two-way duties will no doubt be a key factor in the team’s performance.
my suspicion is that Gladstone was not expecting Hunter to be so unrefined as a route runner. He is a day 1 starting CB but it will take some time to get him a starting WR’s route tree. Year 1 might only see 25-50% of offensive snaps.
Tons of receivers enter the league without a full route tree and still contribute early, especially in an era of so many gimmicky college offenses that don’t translate to the pros. If a guy has the traits and skills, you can find ways to use him before he’s fleshed out that part of his game. If he only plays 25-50% of offensive snaps, I think it’s because it’s easier to create a sub package for a part time receiver than it is for a part time corner, not because he wouldn’t be capable of taking on a full starting receiver role.
They said the exact same thing about BTJ. These guys are insane athletes and make crazy progression.
Well worth the trade package!!! Seems like a great guy and a stud on the field.
I’ll still have to see him punt before I can compare him favorably to 3-way player Sammy Baugh.
They are going to run him into the ground and he’ll deal with nagging injuries throughout his career.