Football team Jacksonville Jaguars to deploy Travis Hunter in both wide receiver and cornerback positions, fielding as starters against Pittsburgh Steelers
Jacksonville Jaguars' Two-Way Prospect Travis Hunter Shines in Preseason Opener
In a bold move for the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie Travis Hunter made his debut as a two-way player in the team's preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The 2025 No. 2 overall pick showcased his versatility, taking 19 total snaps—11 on offense as a wide receiver and 8 on defense as a cornerback.
Hunter, who hails from Colorado, played over 100 snaps a game on both sides in college, and the Jaguars have strategically adapted his unique skillset to the professional level. Head coach Liam Coen, a former offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been managing Hunter's role thoughtfully, integrating him carefully into both units during preseason games.
On offense, Hunter caught three passes for 16 yards (one negated by penalty), demonstrating his potential as a receiver. Defensively, he played solid coverage but missed one tackle, indicating room for improvement in his technique. After the game, Coen reviewed film with Hunter to discuss improvements and decisions made.
Coen aimed to showcase Hunter’s versatility while managing his workload to keep him fresh for the regular season. He balanced giving Hunter reps on both sides without overextending the young player, understanding the physical demands of playing two positions at the pro level. Hunter did not get full continuous possession-doubling but moved between offensive and defensive series typical of a two-way player’s development in preseason.
Liam Coen was hired by the Jaguars on January 24 to replace Doug Pederson, who was fired earlier in the month. The head coach's decision to have the starters play was influenced by conversations he had with center Robert Hainsey and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who have a better understanding of the locker room than Coen on a daily basis. The Jaguars finished their three seasons under Pederson with a record of 22-29, reaching the playoffs once.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars' first game of the season will be at home against the Carolina Panthers on September 7. Coen's cautious yet innovative approach to utilizing one of the rare two-way prospects in modern NFL preseason action has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike.
[1] ESPN [2] NFL.com [3] USA Today [4] Sports Illustrated
- The NFL.com article highlights Travis Hunter's versatility, as the Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie played both offense and defense in their preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Jacksonville Jaguars' coach Liam Coen is managing Travis Hunter's unique skillset, integrating him into both offensive and defensive units during preseason games, as stated in the Sports Illustrated report.
- The USA Today piece mentions that Trevor Lawrence and other Jaguars' players have influenced Liam Coen's decision to play Hunter in the preseason opener, aiming to showcase his versatility while preserving him for the regular season.
- ESPN notes that Travis Hunter demonstrated his potential as a receiver in the preseason opener, catching three passes for 16 yards, despite having one catch negated by a penalty.
- According to the Sports Illustrated article, Liam Coen aims to use Travis Hunter's versatility as a two-way player in American football, following in the footsteps of successful two-way players in NFL history.
