Travis Hunter Backed to Play Both Ways by Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence, 'He Can Handle It'

Jacksonville Jaguars star rookie Travis Hunter will have the chance to prove he can play on both sides of the ball in the NFL, and he has the support of his quarterback.

While speaking to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Jaguars star signal-caller Trevor Lawrence said he's confident that Hunter can excel both as a wide receiver and a cornerback during the 2025 season.

"He can handle it," Lawrence said. "That’s what’s unique and special about him. He’s the best-conditioned guy I think I’ve ever seen. He can run all day up and down the field. I haven’t seen him tired one time. He’s fresh when he goes into the locker room after practice. Everybody else is gassed, and he’s like, 'I feel great.' It’s unique. I don’t know what he does, or if he’s just born that way. I know he works really hard, but it’s impressive to see him (in action)."

Hunter's incredible cardio allowed him to star on both offense and defense during his collegiate career. In his final year at Colorado in 2024, he earned the Heisman Trophy after producing 92 receptions for 1,258 yards and 16 touchdowns plus a rushing touchdown on offense while adding 36 total tackles, 11 passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble on defense.

Jaguars first-year head coach Liam Coen told reporters on Wednesday that Hunter will be allowed to "flip-flop" between offense and defense during training camp this summer.

"You want to give him a couple days offense, a couple days defense, and then give him an opportunity to go flip-flop within the same practice and then that will kind of become the norm," Coen said. "… Every moment, every minute that he is in the building, it is accounted for and trying to make sure that we maximize his time, our time so that we can ultimately get the best outcome."

Hunter is up for the challenge of playing both ways, so fans in Jacksonville will be excited to see how he fares in the NFL as he embarks on one of the most unique rookie seasons in league history.