Will Colorado’s Travis Hunter proceed to be a jack-of-all-trades within the NFL?
On a Zoom name with the media Thursday, the Buffaloes extensive receiver/defensive again confirmed he’ll enter the 2025 NFL Draft — scheduled for April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay — and mentioned he desires to maintain taking part in each methods within the NFL.
“They mentioned I could not [play both ways] in faculty,” Hunter mentioned, per USA In the present day’s Brent Schrotenboer. “I ended up doing it in faculty. So lots of people telling me I can not do it within the NFL, however I am nonetheless gonna do it within the NFL.
“They don’t need me to be a excessive threat, you already know, if I am going high choose — they don’t need their high choose to go down too early. I consider I can do it. No person has stopped me from doing it this far. I consider I can maintain doing it, and I prefer it when folks can inform me I can’t do it as a result of it simply motivates me to proceed to do what I wish to do.”
Two-way gamers aren’t as uncommon as they appear. In 10 video games this season, Los Angeles Chargers/fullback defensive lineman Scott Matlock has performed 214 offensive snaps and 85 defensive snaps, via Pro Football Reference.
In a 2017 article, NFL.com famous 11 gamers have lined up on either side of the ball lately. The checklist did not embody Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame DB Champ Bailey, however he sometimes performed WR in 15 seasons with the Commanders and Broncos.
Not like Hunter, these gamers weren’t full-time two-way gamers. Per Pro Football Focus, he has performed 1,176 complete snaps (590 offensive and 586 defensive) in 10 video games this season.
In fact, the junior has excelled at each positions. On offense, the 21-year-old has 74 receptions for 911 yards and 9 TD catches. On protection, he is recorded three interceptions and eight passes defended.
Regardless of the spectacular numbers, Bailey insists it is higher to specialize within the league.
“Now, you may be a particular type of man, are available, run a number of performs. OK, that is effective, however do not attempt to do each at a excessive degree,” Bailey informed ESPN’s Domonique Foxworthy in August. “Do not attempt to be [Vikings WR] Justin Jefferson and [Broncos CB] Patrick Surtain II. You higher choose one, or you are going to get uncovered.”
Throughout a latest “SportsCenter” section, ESPN’s Matt Miller mentioned Hunter may begin as a two-way participant however ought to ultimately change to WR, which appears good.
Whereas Hunter is set to show his doubters incorrect, he should notice that attempting to play each methods could result in extra put on and tear, stopping him from fulfilling his potential.
