“Got to show them who the real Travis is behind the lens.” That’s Travis Hunter, the man of the hour, brushing off the doubters after NFL scouts and analysts tried boxing him into one role at the Combine. Let’s be honest: not giving a two-way gig to a player like him with spectacular plays, high snap count, and touchdowns is still a mystery. But if history taught us anything, it’s that Hunter intensifies his efforts when doubt increases. Remember when he went down with that shoulder injury? People thought Hunter’s career was over, but what happened next is history. So, does this guy really have anything to prove in the combine? Not really, then why this hustle?
Well, we all know that Travis Hunter is going to take part in the NFL Scouting Combine, but the worst thing is they listed Hunter as a defensive back rather than a wide receiver. Knowing the fact that he wants to showcase his two-way skills in the NFL, this is like a big heartbreak. Now what makes it more solid is the president’s stance over their decision, as an insider talks about it in the 4th & 1 With Cam Newton podcast, saying,
“Travis Hunter, he will be working out at the combine as a DB. And the reason why DB only—Jeff Foster, all right, so he’s the combine organizer—said that Travis Hunter has played more defensive snaps, um, and he will be in the defensive back group. So he is listed as a DB, a defensive back, at the combine.” Now, if you go statistically, that’s a fact. If we see the 2023 season, Hunter made 592 snaps on defense and 452 snaps on offense. And in the past season, he continued this trend, recording 688 defensive snaps and 672 offensive snaps.
So, that pretty much tells why people see him more as a cornerback rather than a wideout. But then the only thing that comes up here is, does he really need to go through all this unwanted stress? A player like him can directly approach the scouts and make his presence felt. Then why this desperation? Talking about it, Cam Newton says, “He doesn’t. But I didn’t either, but I did. I competed. I just—bro, I’m a competitor, bro. I’m a competitor. So anytime for me to—hey, yeah, so you can see it.” That’s pretty much the case with Travis Hunter. His hunger to achieve big is uncanny. Heisman is the perfect example of it.
However, even if the president feels Travis Hunter can only shine as a CB, there are analysts like Sam Monson who think he is the one who could play on both sides in the NFL despite getting a tag as a defensive player. He is highlighting the fact that Hunter is not just good at taking snaps but also good at his two-way gig. Plus, the kind of stamina he has will help him a lot, as he says, “That’s absolutely nuts to do that! I do think that he showed that it’s possible. I don’t know that anyone will let him try it, but now I think, based off last year, I think it’s doable; I think he could actually achieve it.”
But despite all his efforts, Travis Hunter’s NFL draft odds are taking a serious toll. Look, the draft room is already getting filled with quarterbacks, OTs, and WRs, pushing his stocks down. Now, at this moment, Hunter’s draft odds sit at +500 behind Cam Ward, who’s leading the charts with -140 odds, and Abdul Carter, who’s at +180. That’s just diabolical. Just don’t sleep on that; wait until you hear the NFL’s major announcement on his future.
Travis Hunter’s game-changing career moment
Well, Travis Hunter is not one to follow the usual path – he carves his own way. Whether he’s making incredible catches or shutting down receivers, he refuses to be confined to a single role. As the NFL Draft approaches, the only question on everyone’s mind was how the league would categorize him. The answer is now clear, and it’s a decision that is causing a stir.
So, the NFL has officially designated Hunter as both a wide receiver and a cornerback, a rarity in draft prospects in recent decades. This recognition is not just a testament to his skills, but a bold statement. While most players stick to one position, Hunter’s exceptional performance on both offense and defense is something you can’t ignore. The last time the league made a similar move was in 1997, with Charles Woodson, who went on to have a Hall of Fame career. It speaks volumes.
Now, Travis Hunter’s time at Colorado was like a weekly clinic in controlled chaos. Playing under Deion Sanders, he managed to amass over 1,100 yards and score 14 touchdowns while also making four interceptions and 11 pass breakups on the defensive end. His endurance, instincts and remarkable game-breaking ability make the thought of containing him seem impossible. Trying to confine him to just one position is akin to asking a tornado to choose a direction.
The debate continues to spark discussions among scouts. Some believe that Hunter has the potential to break new ground, much like Shohei Ohtani did in baseball, demonstrating that a two-way superstar can excel in today’s game. On the other hand, some argue that the demands of the NFL may restrict him to a single role over time. Nevertheless, his draft value has significantly increased. Whichever team selects him will not only gain a talented player but also a game-changing individual who could redefine the norms for future players.
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