Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter has made it clear: if the team that drafts him doesn’t let him play both offense and defense, he will quit football.
Hunter, who has excelled on both sides of the ball throughout his career, has communicated his desire to continue playing both offense and defense to NFL teams ahead of next week’s draft.
“It’s never playing football again,” Hunter told CBS Sports. “Because 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.”
Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who has played a significant role in Hunter’s journey, was a major factor in Hunter’s decision to follow him from Jackson State to Colorado. Sanders, a former NFL star cornerback and occasional receiver, supported Hunter’s desire to play both positions, which Hunter considers key to his success and enjoyment.
Hunter’s two-way abilities were on full display during his time at Colorado, where he led the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns while also topping the team in interceptions. He played 1,461 snaps in the 2023 season, despite dealing with injuries.
In addition to winning the Heisman, Hunter claimed the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver and earned the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy for his defensive prowess.
“I just feel very confident in myself, and I got a competitive spirit that I can do whatever I put my mind to,” Hunter said.
While some NFL coaches are skeptical about the feasibility of Hunter playing full-time on both sides of the ball, others see it differently. Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed doubts, saying, “I don’t know if there’s enough hours in the day,” suggesting Hunter could play one side primarily and occasionally feature on the other. However, Giants general manager Joe Schoen is open to playing him on both sides, stating, “Physically, I wouldn’t doubt the kid.”
Before the NFL combine, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry also acknowledged Hunter’s ability to contribute on both offense and defense but leaned toward selecting him as a primary wide receiver with the No. 2 overall pick.
“He can play both and that’s what makes him special,” Berry said. “We see him as a receiver primarily first, but again what makes him a bit of a unicorn is the fact he can do both at a high level.”
No matter where he lands, it’s clear Hunter’s unique skills make him a highly coveted prospect in this year’s draft.
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