On Friday night under the lights at EverBank Stadium, all eyes will be on Travis Hunter. The Jacksonville Jaguars first-round rookie is slated to make his two-way debut during the team’s annual training camp scrimmage, lining up at both wide receiver and cornerback for the first time in a live competitive setting since entering the NFL.
It’s a moment the team has been preparing for since drafting Hunter second overall in April, and one that head coach Liam Coen says will offer vital insights into how the Jaguars plan to deploy one of the most unique athletes in recent memory.
“He’ll go back to defense before our mock game scrimmage and be able to kind of use that mock as an evaluation to see, alright, what do we need to do now? What did it look like in the scrimmage? Do we need to maybe get him more on defense?” Coen said Monday. “Or hey, these other guys are producing and developing, and we can keep with the schedule as is.”
The scrimmage won’t define Hunter’s role, but it’s clearly a key checkpoint for the Jaguars as they decide how far (and how fast) they can push their most dynamic new weapon.
Balanced Reps & a Strategic Plan
GettyWhy Coen’s eyes are locked on this drill
So far, Hunter’s practice usage has been nearly split down the middle. Through the first five practices of camp, he has logged 48 snaps on offense and 47 on defense.
During Monday’s padded session, he played strictly on offense, taking 12 snaps in 11-on-11 drills and catching two passes. He’s expected to remain on offense Tuesday before rotating back to defense Thursday in preparation for Friday night.
That level of planning is by design. Coen has emphasized the importance of giving Hunter dedicated time on each side of the ball, allowing him to mentally and physically lock in before the staff begins asking him to switch mid-practice.
“You want to give him a couple days offense, a couple days defense, and then give him an opportunity to go flip-flop within the same practice,” Coen explained. “Every minute of his time is accounted for. We’re trying to maximize his development.”
Friday’s scrimmage, followed by the mock game next week, will help the Jaguars assess not only how Hunter performs, but how his body responds to the demands of a dual role. “That’ll be kind of a, not a defining moment, but an evaluation time for us,” Coen said.
What to Expect
GettyWhy Travis Hunter’s next move matters more than you think
A player contributing on both sides of the ball is unheard of in the modern NFL. In fact, the NFL’s last true two-way player was in 1962. But Hunter’s Heisman-winning season at Colorado with 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, alongside 36 tackles and 4 interceptions rekindled the idea that it might actually be possible again. Still, the Jaguars know it will take time, structure, and discipline to make it sustainable.
That’s why the coaching staff and front office are taking a long-term view. While Friday’s scrimmage will offer fans an exciting preview, Coen has made it clear the team won’t rush the process or let hype dictate Hunter’s development.
For now, the goal is simple: use the scrimmage as a controlled test of Hunter’s ability to handle both roles under pressure, and then reevaluate. The plan may evolve, but the Jaguars are committed to finding the best path forward for one of the most unique athletes the league has ever seen.
Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Set for 2-Way Debut at Training Camp Scrimmage