Travis Hunter, the dynamic two-way star from Colorado, has made headlines lately—not for his on-field accomplishments alone, but for his unwavering passion for playing both offense and defense. In an interview with CBS Sports, Hunter expressed that, despite the hype surrounding his NFL draft prospects, he hasn’t encountered any teams that would restrict him to one side of the ball. However, the message is clear: if a team insists he must specialize—either as a wide receiver or cornerback—it’s a deal-breaker for him.
“It’s never playing football again,” Hunter stated emphatically. “I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.” Hunter’s conviction showcases not only his passion for the game but also his confidence in his unique abilities.
Projected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming draft, Hunter garnered accolades that underline his versatility and skillset. He clinched national honors across the board last season, winning the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award, and the Biletnikoff Award for his performance as a wide receiver, in addition to the Bednarik Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy for his contributions on defense. He even earned a second consecutive Paul Hornung Award, recognizing him as the most versatile player in college football.
To put his accomplishments into perspective, Hunter took the field for an impressive 713 snaps on offense and 748 on defense during the 2024 season with the Buffaloes. His performance was historic; he became the first player since at least 1976 to rack up over 500 receiving yards—he notched 1,152 last season—and four interceptions in a single season, a feat that speaks volumes about his all-around game. Despite missing nearly five games due to injury, he led the FBS with a total of 2,625 snaps across the two seasons.
Now, as he eyes the NFL, Hunter is intent on maintaining the same relentless pace. “I just feel very confident in myself,” he remarked. “I’ve got a competitive spirit that I can do whatever I put my mind to, and I feel like I can do it.” It’s this blend of self-assuredness and determination that makes him such a compelling prospect.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry emphasized Hunter’s unique dual-threat potential at the scouting combine. While he indicated that wide receiver might be the priority, he was clear about Hunter’s extensive capabilities: “In terms of Travis Hunter, cornerback or receiver? The answer is yes. He can play both. I think that’s what makes him special. I think receiver primarily first, but I think what makes him a bit of a unicorn is the fact that he can do it at a high level.”
Hunter’s response reflects a steadfast mindset: “It’s not up to me. When they call my name, if they call my name, then we’ll figure that out, but it’s not up to me. That’s what they think about me right now.” As the NFL draft approaches, it’s clear that whether he ends up catching passes or defending against them, Hunter’s readiness to contribute on either side of the ball will be closely monitored by teams looking to harness his remarkable skill set. The next chapter of his football journey promises to be as thrilling as the last.
