Travis Hunter’s NFL debut is one of the most anticipated not only this season but in recent years. Even Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is eager to see him take the field for the first time as a professional, after an offseason he called “impressive.”
Hunter was selected with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, behind quarterback Cam Ward. Coming out of Colorado, where he wowed fans with his ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, the spotlight is now on Hunter to prove he can replicate that success at the professional level.
Reports from Jaguars training camp have been highly encouraging. The rookie two-way star has impressed analysts, and even Lawrence acknowledged his new teammate’s rare talent.
Lawrence calls Hunter “impressive”
In his Thursday press conference, Lawrence said it’s been “impressive” to watch Hunter absorb both the offensive and defensive game plans throughout camp.
“Yeah, just to see the amount of work you have to put in to do that-it’s hard enough to play one way in the NFL, much less two ways,” Lawrence said. “To learn offense and defense, it’s a lot. He’s done a really good job.”
Lawrence added that Hunter understands the responsibility that comes with playing both ways. “It’s his responsibility to know what to do when he steps in the huddle, and he’s done a great job with that. But also, being aware he’s a rookie-he’s got a lot going on, he’s playing both ways.”
Hunter isn’t alone
Still, Hunter hasn’t had to navigate his transition to the NFL by himself.
“Just trying to help him as much as I can with little reminders or different things with the formations or concepts or whatever,” Lawrence explained.
“Just trying to give him little reminders so it’s not, ‘Hey, you’re on your own, pal. Figure it out,'” the quarterback said. “And he’s done a good job of knowing it, but as much as we can help him out, I think that’s important.”
Hunter’s first real test comes September 7, when the Jaguars host the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium in their 2025 season opener.
Read the full article here
