What sort of influence could Travis Hunter exert on both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game throughout his initial season with the Jacksonville Jaguars? According to his mentor, a truly unparalleled one.
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Appearing on “The Rich Eisen Show” this past Monday, Jaguars’ chief strategist, Liam Coen, concurred with the host’s proposition that Hunter, who was designated as the No. 2 pick during April’s NFL Draft, is capable of clinching both the NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards, showcasing his prowess as a wide receiver and cornerback. (This discussion commences at the 8:13 mark of the presented clip.)
“I genuinely believe it’s attainable,” Coen remarked. “He’s dedicated to propelling forward, not just himself, but also his fellow teammates. I believe his teammates … these individuals are challenging him consistently each day. He doesn’t receive preferential treatment simply because he was the second overall selection and he’s Travis Hunter.”
“They are actively engaging, attempting to impede his progress, striving to constrain him, aiming to make it as challenging as conceivably feasible for him in a constructive manner, akin to a wholesome competition where they’re fully engaged and exchanging playful banter. However, it genuinely embodies the concept of individuals refining each other. That’s the prevailing sentiment, and I wouldn’t anticipate anything less from these individuals. They also believe he’s capable of achieving it, but they’re equally committed to ensuring he earns it within this establishment.”
The Jaguars, simultaneously, unveiled their inaugural depth chart for the preseason on Monday. Within this chart, Hunter is designated as a starting wide receiver and a backup cornerback, further underscoring the team’s intentions for utilizing the star rookie.
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Dual-position players in the NFL have indeed left their mark on the game — consider: Deion Sanders — however, none have accomplished what Coen deems within Hunter’s grasp this season.
With just over a month remaining until the Jaguars host the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, Coen and his coaching staff are still determining the precise percentage of snaps Hunter will partake in on both offense and defense as the season commences.
The Jaguars have yet to disclose the extent of time Hunter will dedicate to both facets of the game, however, head coach Liam Coen affirmed their aspiration for him to participate as extensively as feasible. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“We aspire to involve him as comprehensively as we can,” Coen conveyed.
During the prior season, Hunter engaged in 753 offensive plays and 776 defensive plays, in conjunction with an additional 23 on special teams with Colorado, as per Pro Football Focus. In spite of the amplified utilization, Hunter exhibited productivity, amassing 92 receptions, 1,152 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns on offense, alongside 29 total tackles and four interceptions on defense. His performance garnered him the Heisman Trophy in December.
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Hunter indicated at the inception of camp that participating on both sides of the ball presents a greater mental challenge than physical exertion. He must now stand ready to contend with NFL cornerbacks and wide receivers, such as Panthers wideout Jaycee Horn, commencing on Sept. 7, who will undoubtedly pose challenges for the rookie.
“[Horn’s] not inclined to respond with, ‘Hey, this undertaking of yours is commendable.’ Rather, they’ll assert, ‘Absolutely not, you’re not permitted to pursue this,’ and that’s precisely what renders it captivating,” Coen remarked. “I firmly believe [Hunter’s] motivations for pursuing this are rooted in the correct intentions.”
