Reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, is not only preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft but is also setting ambitious goals that could change the way professional football is played. At the scouting combine on Thursday, Hunter expressed his unique desire to play full-time on both offense and defense in the NFL, a feat that is virtually unprecedented at the professional level.
Speaking to reporters, including Jim Wyatt from TennesseeTitans.com, Hunter confidently stated, “They say nobody has ever done it the way I do it. But I tell them, ‘I’m just different. I’m a different person.’ I know I can do it. I did it at the college level where we rarely get breaks, and there’s a lot more breaks in the NFL.”
Hunter, who showcased his dual talents as a wide receiver and cornerback at the University of Colorado, is one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. During his final collegiate season, he astonishingly logged 1,484 total snaps across both offense and defense, demonstrating not only his athletic prowess but also his exceptional stamina and versatility.
Regarding his potential role in the NFL, Hunter remarked, “That’s not my job to figure it out. I’d like to play both sides of the ball. If they give me the opportunity… I’m going to play both sides.”
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Despite his outstanding college performance, Hunter will not participate in workouts at the NFL combine, as confirmed by a league official to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. His decision has sparked curiosity and anticipation among NFL scouts and executives about how his skills will translate to the professional stage.
In his stellar 2024 campaign, Hunter recorded impressive statistics with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, alongside four interceptions on defense. His remarkable achievements earned him the Fred Biletnikoff Award for the best wide receiver and the Chuck Bednarik Award for the best defensive player, culminating in the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Hunter also expressed a deep personal ambition regarding the draft, telling Wyatt, “It’s super important to me to be drafted first overall. That’s one of my dreams, to go No. 1 and be the best that I can be.”
As the NFL draft approaches, the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, who hold the first two picks respectively, are reportedly deliberating over which position—offense or defense—Hunter should initially focus on as he begins his professional career. This discussion highlights the complexity and excitement surrounding Hunter’s unique skill set and his potential impact on the NFL.
Travis Hunter’s aspirations to play on both sides of the ball in the NFL not only challenge traditional roles within professional football but also ignite discussions about the possibilities for truly versatile athletes in the league.
As draft day approaches, all eyes will be on this groundbreaking athlete whose career could redefine positional play in the NFL.
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