INDIANAPOLIS — As Travis Hunter approaches the NFL’s annual scouting event, he’s listed as a cornerback, but that’s not the full story. Hunter’s unique abilities are causing a stir as he’s seen as a standout in both defensive back and receiver roles for this year’s draft class, setting up an unprecedented scenario as the workouts commence.
The focus is on whether Hunter will participate with the defensive backs, the receivers, or possibly both, an option extended by NFL Football Scouting president Jeff Foster. “To my knowledge he’s the first guy who has ever done that,” Foster remarked. “But we have to assign him to a group and the defensive backs come first. We made him the offer to stay overnight and work with the receivers, so we are projecting him as a defensive back and a wide receiver. But we had to assign him to a group, logistically.” Hunter’s decision may become clear before Friday and Saturday’s workouts as he’s slated to speak to reporters on Thursday.
Taking on dual roles in Indianapolis normally signifies a different occasion, akin to Memorial Day weekend’s racing extravaganzas. However, this time it’s about football. Hunter might skip some combine tasks, planning instead to showcase his skills at Colorado’s pro day, the sole location of the combine, for NFL scouts longing for a peek at his talent.
Playing both parts, if he chooses, might mean not needing to double up on drills like the 40-yard dash or the bench press. Hunter’s potential dual role, though, definitely has people like Foster considering its significance. “We’d give him that option, we could make one for him right here,” Foster mentioned regarding the possibility of Hunter receiving jerseys for both positions. “If he wants to work out as a receiver and wants a receiver’s jersey, I’ll do it myself if I have to.”
Foster’s team is prepared to accommodate such requests with a priority on crafting the ideal setting for the 329 combine invitees to perform at their best, incorporating fresh twists every year. Past adjustments included altered schedules, revamped workouts, and improved lounges for rest and recovery.
This year’s innovation involves bringing a section of Lucas Oil Stadium’s turf for practice purposes, helping players familiarize themselves with the updated surface. “Only one other stadium has it, so a lot of these players have never been on it,” explained Foster. “So we’re taking one of the end zones and putting that in the performance center so they can work on their starts (for the 40-yard dash). We tried to create an exact replica for the surface and the start lines.”
While some avoid working out at the combine due to perceptions of it being a “slow track,” last year’s record-setting 4.21-second 40 by Texas’ Xavier Worthy contradicted such claims. Safe to say, it helped persuade the Kansas City Chiefs to make their first-round pick.
Hunter’s transitioning under college coach and Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders is accompanied by Sanders’ advice to NFL teams against drafting Hunter unless they are ready to employ him as a two-way player, reminiscent of Sanders’ own dual leagues presence.
Will Hunter embrace the dual workout roles? The mystery lingers. “He hasn’t said yes or no, but it’s not something we ask the players because we want them to train right up till they get here,” Foster said, revealing how plans may evolve upon arrival. “But he’s earned opportunity to do both here and I’m sure fans would like to see it, too.”
