Former Colorado Buffaloes standout and reigning Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter is one of the most unique talents the sport has ever seen. Much like Shoehei Ohtani in the MLB, who is elite both from the pitcher’s mound and the batting box, Hunter excels at both cornerback and wide receiver.
However, there are questions surrounding Hunter’s ability to play both ways at the NFL level, as the physicality of a 17-week season may be too much stress on his body were he to play both ways.
In light of these concerns, whichever team selects Hunter in the draft had better be prepared to deal with him playing both offense and defense, per Hunter himself.
“Travis Hunter says he won’t play football at all if an NFL team tries to limit him to just one side of the ball. Hunter told (Garrett Podell) that no team has expressed any issues with him playing both CB and WR in the NFL,” reported Ari Meirov on Tuesday.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“He’s lying bc his performance on each side of the field will not be at its best if he’s using energy to play both sides of the ball all game. Plus, he’s gonna be risking injury. No way expects to be a full time player on each side of the field. (I’m sure he plays both at times),” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“This used to be common. He’s got the skills. Whichever team gets him is going to have something special,” someone else added.
“That was not so bright to say before the draft. You play where they pay you to play,” another person added.
It’ll be interesting to see what the team that drafts Hunter has planned for the phenom.