The Jacksonville Jaguars’ handling of rookie Travis Hunter during OTAs has become a focal point for the football world, given his unique ability to excel on both offense and defense. Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner from his time with the Colorado Buffaloes, has already impressed with his defensive prowess, as evidenced by videos and reactions circulating online. Head coach Liam Coen, speaking to the media, described Hunter’s defensive play as “natural,” noting that he does not look “out of place” in any setting. “The movement skills and some of the man coverages, the feel in zone [coverage], you can definitely see how natural it is for him,” Coen said, according to ESPN. Hunter’s ability to adapt quickly, despite still learning the calls, has been evident in 7-on-7 and team drills, where he has shown a seamless integration into the Jaguars’ defensive schemes.
Coen’s approach to Hunter’s dual-role development during OTAs has been cautious, prioritizing mental preparation over physical overload. On May 27, Coen explained that Hunter would not be used on both offense and defense on the same days, a decision aimed at ensuring his success without overwhelming him. “We won’t put him in that situation to have him do that, although I’m sure he’d probably want to,” Coen said, as reported on the team’s website. Instead, Hunter meets with the defensive unit daily, even when focusing on offense, to absorb the mental aspects and review film for corrections. “He’s getting a lot of the mental, and it would probably be unfair to put him out on the grass and do both and ask him to go do that and see success,” Coen continued. This strategy reflects a long-term vision for Hunter, balancing his development with the team’s immediate needs.
As the Jaguars look to rebound from a 4-13 season that left them third in the AFC South, Hunter’s role will be a key storyline heading into the regular season, which kicks off against the Carolina Panthers on September 7. The team’s early OTA sessions, highlighted by Hunter’s defensive highlights and Coen’s measured approach, suggest a thoughtful integration of the rookie into the Jaguars’ plans. Fellow players like Trevor Lawrence have already expressed admiration for Hunter’s early performances, and the coaching staff’s focus on his mental and physical readiness indicates a commitment to maximizing his potential. The 2025 season is on the horizon, and for the Jaguars, it’s about leveraging Hunter’s unique talents to climb the standings. The football world is watching closely, and for Hunter, it’s about proving he can be the game-changer Jacksonville needs, one play at a time.
