Travis Hunter’s dual role reshapes NFL scouting combine

INDIANAPOLIS — Travis Hunter is poised to make headlines at the NFL’s annual scouting combine, entering the event as a cornerback. However, by the week’s conclusion, he might have secured his position as a standout wide receiver as well, thanks to his exceptional talent. Hunter’s versatility has sparked considerable interest as this year’s combine approaches, with teams eagerly awaiting his decision on whether he will participate with defensive backs, receivers, neither, or perhaps conduct workouts for both as suggested by Jeff Foster, president of NFL Football Scouting.

To Foster’s knowledge, Hunter is the first participant to offer such a dual approach. Despite logistical challenges, he has been assigned to the defensive backs group first, with an offer to stay and work with the receivers. As a result, he could be designated both as a profound defensive back and wide receiver. He is expected to reveal his plans before scheduled combine workouts on Friday and Saturday, after talking with reporters on Thursday.

Such dual participation is reminiscent of the high-octane Memorial Day weekend, where race car drivers strive to complete both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Hunter, however, is bringing such a spectacle to the football field. There’s speculation that he might skip some drills until Colorado’s pro day to demonstrate his raw talent to NFL scouts, a common trend among top-ranked draft picks.

Should he attempt both, it appears unlikely that Hunter will be asked to perform drills like the 40-yard dash or bench press twice. Nonetheless, the prospect of the first true dual-position star arriving at the combine has excited figures such as Jeff Foster, who is open to customizing gear for Hunter’s unique situation, even joking about personally making a combined jersey if needed.

Foster’s main goal is to create an accommodating environment for all 329 invitees, evident by his past year improvements – from tweaking schedules to crafting new workout routines and creating relaxing recuperation zones. This year’s update includes a segment of the Lucas Oil Stadium turf being transported to the performance center to allow players practice starts on the same field they will compete on.

Some participants and agents have criticized the stadium’s track, although last year, then Texas receiver Xavier Worthy didn’t face those hurdles, delivering a record-setting 4.21-second 40-yard dash that propelled him to a first-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Deion Sanders, Hunter’s college coach and Hall of Fame cornerback, has been vocal about advising teams not to draft Hunter unless he plays dual roles, recalling Sanders’s own legacy as a two-sport athlete in Major League Baseball and the NFL.

What will Hunter decide? The answer remains pending. “He hasn’t said yes or no,” commented Foster, noting that athletes’ plans can alter upon arrival. “But he’s earned the chance to showcase both positions, and fans are eagerly waiting.”