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Travis Hunter Aims for Dual Threat Status in NFL

Travis Hunter, the standout two-way player from the University of Colorado, is setting his sights on achieving a level of versatility in the NFL comparable to that of renowned athlete Shohei Ohtani. With his head coach, Deion Sanders, advocating for Hunter’s multifaceted skill set, there’s potential for him to realize this ambitious goal.

During an impressive season, Hunter demonstrated his capabilities on both sides of the ball, contributing significantly as a receiver and a defensive back. His performances earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy, recognizing him as the standout player in college football, alongside accolades such as the Biletnikoff Award for being the best receiver and the Bednarik Award for defensive excellence.

In a recent game against Oklahoma State, Hunter’s receiving prowess was evident as he completed numerous catches, pushing his season totals to 92 receptions for 1,152 yards, along with 14 touchdown receptions. His remarkable statistics on offense may lead some to argue that he could be best suited for a receiving role at the professional level, yet many experts still project him primarily as a cornerback in the NFL.

However, Coach Sanders is adamant that any team interested in drafting Hunter should fully utilize his abilities across the field. In a statement on “The Rich Eisen Show”, Sanders emphasized, “He’s gonna do that, or they shouldn’t draft him. Don’t do that. And I’m gonna make sure of that.” His comments highlight the necessity for NFL teams to be creative in how they deploy Hunter, suggesting that using him exclusively in one position could limit his potential impact.

Throughout the season, Hunter showcased remarkable conditioning, participating in a total of 1,380 snaps—670 on offense and 686 on defense, in addition to 24 snaps on special teams. His defensive performance included 31 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Colorado’s defensive unit.

Looking toward the upcoming NFL draft scheduled for April, Hunter is projected to be an early selection, with expectations that his teammate, Shedeur Sanders—Deion’s son—may also make headlines as a potential top pick. The opportunity exists for Hunter to redefine what it means to be a player able to excel in multiple roles at the professional level, challenging traditional positional expectations in the NFL.

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