Travis Hunter’s Dual Role with the Jaguars for Week 1

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially announced their game plan for rookie sensation Travis Hunter as they prepare for their opening match against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday. Hunter, who was selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, will serve as an every-down wide receiver and take on a situational cornerback role.

Jaguars’ Strategy: Flexibility is Key

Jacksonville’s head coach, Liam Coen, shed light on the team’s approach during a press conference. He emphasized the need for adaptability in Hunter’s deployment throughout the season, stating:

“We’re going to have to figure it out. We’ll come up with that plan over the next 24 hours in terms [of] what are the exact maybe numbers we want to hit on both sides or usage.”

This strategy aims to keep opponents on their toes, creating uncertainty around Hunter’s utilization on the field.

Managing Hunter’s Transition

Travis Hunter’s rising star hasn’t come without challenges. He faced some setbacks during the preseason, missing a significant portion of time due to an upper-body injury that sidelined him from the Jaguars’ second preseason game and four training camp practices. Coen acknowledged these hurdles, bringing attention to the importance of keeping Hunter engaged and understanding his capacity to grasp the defense and offense schematics:

“If he’s getting a little lost or doesn’t know what he’s doing on a few things, well, man, maybe we need to reel it back a little and get him some rest here.”

Hunter’s Dual Ambition

Travis Hunter is adamant about maintaining his dual-threat status in the NFL. Prior to the draft, he made it clear that he would prefer quitting football altogether than limiting himself to just one position—either wide receiver or cornerback.

“It’s never playing football again. Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it,” Hunter told CBS Sports.

This commitment to being a two-way player reflects his exceptional skill set and determination.

Way Ahead: Week-by-Week Decisions

The Jaguars plan to evaluate Hunter’s role on a week-by-week basis, adjusting his responsibilities as needed. This approach not only supports Hunter’s growth but also enhances the team’s strategic options. The goal is to maximize his contributions while being mindful of any lingering effects from his preseason injuries.

Key Points to Remember:

• Role: Hunter will be used as both a wide receiver and cornerback for Week 1.
• Injuries: Hunter missed parts of the preseason due to an upper-body injury.
• Flexibility: The coaching staff remains open to adjusting Hunter’s role based on his performance and understanding of the game.
• Player Perspective: Hunter emphasizes his desire to excel in both positions, asserting his identity as a dual-threat player.

As the Jaguars gear up for their season opener, Travis Hunter’s dual role could be a game-changer—one that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. With this unique deployment, Jacksonville aims to leverage Hunter’s capabilities to gain an edge over their opponents.

For more information on the Jaguars’ strategies, visit NFL.com and stay tuned for updates!