While experts debate whether NFL Draft prospect Travis Hunter should be utilized as a full-time offensive or defensive player, the former Colorado standout sees himself as a versatile two-way player. “I had meetings at receiver and meetings at DB, so it’s still up in the air,” Hunter said during the NFL Scouting Combine when asked about his potential to play significant snaps on both sides of the ball in the professional league. “They say, ‘Nobody has ever done it the way I do it,’ but I tell them, ‘I’m just different.'”
Hunter showcased his skills as both a wide receiver and cornerback at Jackson State and Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders. Although he is projected to be a top 10 draft pick, it remains uncertain whether the team that selects him will see him primarily as a one-way player.
Hunter excelled on both offense and defense in college, logging over 700 snaps in each role. He was named the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner in December. “I do a lot of treatment,” Hunter mentioned. “People don’t see that part. I work hard to ensure I’m 100% for each game. I feel like nobody has done it like I can. I managed it at the college level, where you get more breaks. The NFL has even more opportunities for rest.”
Last season, he recorded a career-high 1,258 receiving yards and made four interceptions as a defensive back, earning him the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year title. He also received the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the top college football receiver of the season.
Although Hunter has not participated in drills at this week’s combine, he confirmed that he has interviewed with several teams. Two-way players in the NFL are a rarity, with Chuck Bednarik being the last full-time two-way athlete, playing linebacker and offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1962. Notable former two-way stars include Sammy Baugh, who played quarterback, defensive back, and punter, and Don Hutson, who spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers as a receiver and safety.
The NFL Draft is set to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay.
