Travis Hunter To Play Both Sides of the Ball In Preseason Opener
When the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener, rookie phenom Travis Hunter will play both wide receiver and cornerback.
According to CBS Sports, Jaguars’ head coach Liam Coen confirmed that Hunter will see action on both sides of the ball. Additionally, Coen said that "everyone," including expected starters, will see game time against the Steelers.
Hunter will be involved in both schemes, and he could also play on special teams. On the Jaguars' first unofficial depth chart, Hunter was listed as a starting wideout and backup cornerback.
Even before he was drafted, Hunter expressed his desire to play both offense and defense as he did with Deion Sanders ‘Colorado Buffaloes.
"Nobody has done it, but I feel like I put my body through a lot," Hunter said at the NFL Combine. "I do a lot of treatment. People don't get to see that part of what I do for my body to make sure I'm 100% in each game. But I feel like, because nobody has done it, and I know I can do it. I did at a college level."
During his collegiate career, Hunter averaged more than 100 snaps per game. He would finish with 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.
On the defensive side, 36 total tackles, four interceptions, and 11 pass deflections on defense for the season.
The Jaguars will host the Steelers on Saturday, August 9th, at 7:00 PM ET in EverBank Stadium.