INDIANAPOLIS — Travis Hunter, a standout college football player and Heisman Trophy recipient, is poised to leave a remarkable mark on the NFL. Known for his unique skills as a two-way player, Hunter plans to delay his performance for NFL scouts until Colorado’s Pro Day in March, opting not to participate in workouts at the NFL’s annual scouting combine this week.
Hunter expressed his determination to maintain his dual-role capabilities, stating, “I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I feel like I can keep doing it.” His aim is to play both wide receiver and defensive back at the professional level, pending organizational approval. Few players in recent history have generated as much attention at the combine as Hunter, whose versatility has captured widespread interest.
Unlike past entrants, Hunter has shown exceptional talent on both offense and defense. His performance secured him the unique opportunity to work out with both defensive backs and receivers at the combine, promising an enticing event for NFL enthusiasts. Nevertheless, Hunter opted to bypass these workouts to focus on a more tailored showcase at Colorado’s event, accompanied by familiar surroundings.
Hunter has been preparing rigorously for his pro debut, balancing training for both positions equally. His commitment to football, as he explained, leaves no room for distractions. While the NFL’s demands are notably stringent, Hunter remains confident in his ability to perform at the highest level—a capability reinforced by his college experience under intense physical and strategic preparation.
With a formidable 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame, Hunter faces the prospect of challenging encounters with formidable NFL opponents. Despite the obstacles, his belief in himself remains strong, echoed by endorsements from his college coach Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, and various NFL personnel. Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan even suggested Hunter might handle punt returns, though Hunter deflected immediate consideration of such a role.
Hunter spent significant time at the combine engaging in discussions with NFL teams, though he refrained from naming which ones. Teams inquired about his potential to play both receiver and cornerback at the professional level. Sanders has made it clear that teams interested in drafting Hunter should be prepared to utilize his dual-threat capability.
Where Hunter will be selected in the upcoming draft remains uncertain. Other players, such as Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, are contending for prominence in the quarterback category, while Tennessee, Cleveland, and the New York Giants are presumed to be in the market for quarterbacks at the draft’s forefront. Meanwhile, edge rusher Abdul Carter’s status might be impacted by a recent foot injury diagnosis.
As expectations build around Travis Hunter, his distinctive talent continues to fascinate NFL circles. “They say nobody has ever done it for real the way I do it,” Hunter remarked, emphasizing his unique presence in the game. With determined aspirations and skills to back them, Hunter is set to embark on what could be an extraordinary professional journey.
