Will Colorado’s Travis Hunter proceed to be a jack-of-all-trades within the NFL?
On a Zoom name with the media Thursday, the Buffaloes large receiver/defensive again confirmed he’ll enter the 2025 NFL Draft — scheduled for April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay — and stated he needs to maintain taking part in each methods within the NFL.
“They stated I could not [play both ways] in faculty,” Hunter stated, per USA At this time’s Brent Schrotenboer. “I ended up doing it in faculty. So lots of people telling me I am unable to do it within the NFL, however I am nonetheless gonna do it within the NFL.
“They don’t need me to be a excessive threat, you already know, if I’m going high choose — they don’t need their high choose to go down too early. I imagine I can do it. No one has stopped me from doing it this far. I imagine I can hold doing it, and I prefer it when individuals can inform me I can’t do it as a result of it simply motivates me to proceed to do what I need to do.”
Two-way gamers aren’t as uncommon as they appear. In 10 video games this season, Los Angeles Chargers/fullback defensive lineman Scott Matlock has performed 214 offensive snaps and 85 defensive snaps, by way of Professional Soccer Reference.
In a 2017 article, NFL.com famous 11 gamers have lined up on each side of the ball lately. The checklist did not embody Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame DB Champ Bailey, however he often performed WR in 15 seasons with the Commanders and Broncos.
Not like Hunter, these gamers weren’t full-time two-way gamers. Per Professional Soccer Focus, he has performed 1,176 whole snaps (590 offensive and 586 defensive) in 10 video games this season.
In fact, the junior has excelled at each positions. On offense, the 21-year-old has 74 receptions for 911 yards and 9 TD catches. On protection, he is recorded three interceptions and eight passes defended.
Regardless of the spectacular numbers, Bailey insists it is higher to specialize within the league.
“Now, you can be a particular type of man, are available in, run just a few performs. OK, that is fantastic, however do not attempt to do each at a excessive stage,” Bailey instructed ESPN’s Domonique Foxworthy in August. “Do not attempt to be [Vikings WR] Justin Jefferson and [Broncos CB] Patrick Surtain II. You higher choose one, or you are going to get uncovered.”
Throughout a latest “SportsCenter” section, ESPN’s Matt Miller stated Hunter might begin as a two-way participant however ought to finally swap to WR, which appears sensible.
Whereas Hunter is set to show his doubters fallacious, he should notice that attempting to play each methods might result in extra put on and tear, stopping him from fulfilling his potential.
