Jacksonville’s Travis Hunter Excels as Two-Way Player in Training Camp

By Jason Bolton August 04, 2025 12:56

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie sensation Travis Hunter is rapidly making headlines as an exceptional two-way player during the 2025 NFL training camp. Selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter is embracing the rare and demanding role of contributing significantly on both offense and defense a feat not seen since the early days of the sport. His impressive work ethic, adaptability, and football IQ have earned wide praise from coaches, teammates, and analysts, positioning him as a unique asset in the Jaguars’ ambitious rebuild.

Hunter has been splitting his practice time between wide receiver and cornerback, reflecting the Jaguars' commitment to utilizing his rare athleticism and versatility. As of late July 2025, during the team’s fifth training camp practice its first padded session Hunter predominantly lined up as a wide receiver, following previous drills distributed evenly between offensive and defensive sessions. Head coach Liam Coen has outlined a plan wherein Hunter initially focuses on one side of the ball during each practice, with the goal of eventually “flip-flopping” between offense and defense even within the same game. Coen said, “He wants more, and that’s a good thing. But ultimately, we also have to protect him from himself at times and make sure he stays healthy”.

Statistically, Hunter’s snaps are balanced but slightly favor defense so far, accumulating 83 snaps in the first four practices with 47 on defense and 36 on offense. During an 11-on-11 drill at cornerback, Hunter showcased his coverage skills by breaking up three passes—a highlight that has drawn positive attention from offensive-minded coaches and analysts alike. His sharpness in these moments underscores his potential to match up against elite receivers even as he develops his receiving skills.

Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski expressed optimism regarding Hunter’s growth as a receiver: “You can see the growth from the end of last spring to the beginning of this training camp. This improvement is evident not just mentally but also in his technique and release as a receiver. Given his work ethic, I anticipate that this progression will keep moving forward”. Hunter himself acknowledges the challenge of mastering two intricate positions, noting, “I need to be able to process everything fast, quick. When I’m on the defensive side, if the offense changes their strength, I’ve got to know what I’m doing right away. And if the offense changes the play, I gotta know what I’m doing right away. So I like that we’re starting off slow, getting me adjusted, making sure I know where I need to be on one side of the ball each day and then it all will come together”.

Fellow Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have also voiced confidence in Hunter’s ability to manage the demanding two-way role. Lawrence remarked, “He can handle it... it’s impressive, and we believe in him.” Hunter participated in 23 snaps during a recent scrimmage underlining the coaching staff's trust in his stamina and skillset.

Hunter’s rare role also requires meticulous preparation and mental agility, involving numerous meetings, film sessions, and practice repetitions on both offense and defense. This demanding regimen could set a new precedent in modern NFL roster flexibility but also requires careful management to ensure his health and performance over the long campaign.

In summary, Travis Hunter’s rise as a two-way player in Jacksonville’s 2025 training camp is a compelling narrative blending exceptional talent with modern-day football demands. His continued progress in mastering both wide receiver and cornerback responsibilities is closely watched as the Jaguars prepare for a competitive season. If Hunter successfully navigates this pioneering role, he could become one of the most dynamic and influential players in the NFL, rewriting conventional wisdom about specialization in professional football.