Travis Hunter isn’t here to entertain doubts. The Colorado phenom, who lit up college football as both a wide receiver and a defensive back, isn’t sweating the mental demands of playing two positions in the NFL. While some question whether a pro team will let him continue the two-way lifestyle, Hunter made it clear: the cognitive load? Not a problem.
People think it’s complicated, but I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Hunter said in a recent interview. “I love watching football, so it’s super easy for me.
Hunter’s numbers back up his calm confidence. In 2023, he racked up 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense. On defense? 25 tackles, 11 pass breakups and four picks. Those are elite numbers for either side of the ball and Hunter did both, often in the same game.
From high school to college to the pros, his discipline stands out
Hunter’s routine isn’t for the lazy. During the season, he woke up at 5 a.m. for treatment, attended multiple meetings sometimes switching between WR and DB rooms and put in extra one-on-one time with coaches to cover anything he missed. Film study was a daily ritual: offense first, defense second, and then full-game breakdowns.
You learn a lot that way,” he said. “It helps you recognize formations before they happen like the one I used to force that game-winning fumble against Baylor.
That ability to predict plays before the snap has fueled speculation that Hunter could become one of the most versatile and intelligent players in the league if teams are bold enough to let him be himself.
Hunter defends Shedeur Sanders and silences the critics
Hunter also addressed critiques aimed at his college QB, Shedeur Sanders, particularly those saying Sanders‘ ball-patting habit could be a tell for defenders.
People don’t understand – everyone does it,” Hunter explained. “If you see a quarterback patting the ball, you’re probably out of position anyway.
From his vantage point as both a target and a defender, Hunter sees the bigger picture – literally and figuratively.
No school, no distractions just football
Heading into the NFL Draft, likely headed to a team like the Browns or Giants, Hunter seems more ready than most rookies.
I mean, it’s your full-time job,” he said. “No school, just football. It’s nothing but ball all day.
And for Travis Hunter, that’s exactly how he likes it.
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