Travis Hunter is learning the NFL ropes while trying to play not one, but two positions for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
So Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile addressed Hunter’s ability and how Jaguars first-year coach Liam Coen is working with the No. 2 overall pick to maximize his potential as a defensive player.
Hunter, of course, is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who played both sides for Deion Sanders at Colorado. Hunter had 96 catches for 1,258 receiving yards and a Big XII-high 15 touchdowns while also defending 11 passes and recording four interceptions and 36 tackles.
How Is Travis Hunter Playing Defense?
The Jaguars are trying to make the two-way thing happen in the NFL too, and Campanile offered a window into how that is working.
“Liam has done an unbelievable job with that,” Campanile said. “He is like down to the second with that. Honestly, it’s impressive to watch because he does a great job of communicating with us when [Hunter] is going to be us, when he’s going to be meeting with us, when we’re going to have time to the field.”
It is a unique situation for everyone involved, and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has detailed what Hunter is bringing to their wide receiver room recently. But aside from Hunter’s attitude and energy, Campanile also credited Jaguars staff like secondary coach Ron Milus, defensive backs coach Anthony Perkins and assistant DBs coach Drew Lascari with their organizational skills.
“Our coaches have done a great planning everything out and having this stuff ready to go on the field,” Campanile said. “We can do feet meets and walk and talks with him in between if he’s available.”
What Did Anthony Campanile Say About The Jaguars Defense After Two Days?
This is Campanile’s first season as Jaguars defensive coordinator since he is taking over for Ryan Nielsen. Campanile came over from the Green Bay Packers, where he was linebackers coach and defensive run-game coordinator in 2024, after spending the previous four seasons as the Miami Dolphins linebackers coach.
Though this is his first taste as an NFL defensive coordinator, and his first year with Jacksonville, he has seen solid progress already.
“Our guys have done a great job, obviously it’s only two days, but hopefully they’ll keep doing a job and getting better,” Campanile said.
The Jaguars defense is talent-laden, led by 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker, 2019 No. 7 overall pick Josh Hines-Allen, plus underrated middle linebacker Foyesade Oluokun. He credited Walker especially as great resource for the Jaguars defense and a great leader for the team.
“I think when some of your best players are your best leaders and the best people that’s a great thing,” Campanile said. “That’s what sets the culture of every building. The guys are going to follow the guys who bring that energy.
“I think when he speaks people listen.”
Despite their 4-13 record in 2024, the Jaguars feel they have made upgrades on defense, especially by adding Hunter and Walker. Campanile knows how valuable that talent can be.
“Coaches get a lot smarter when you got good players,” Campanile said.
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