The 2024 campaign was widely expected to be Travis Hunter‘s final one at the collegiate level. The two-way Colorado star confirmed on Thursday he is indeed headed for the NFL draft this spring. 
When asked if he will be declaring, the true junior said “that’s definitely for sure” (h/t ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg). To no surprise, then, Hunter will be among the top prospects in the 2025 class. One of the main talking points over the coming months will be whether NFL teams evaluate him as a corner or receiver, but in any case he will not need to wait long to hear his name called on draft night.
One of head coach Deion Sanders‘ top recruits during his time at Jackson State, Hunter made history as the first five-star recruit to commit to an FCS school. The nation’s top prospect was limited to eight games during his one and only season at Jackson State, but he flashed considerable potential on both sides of the ball during that time. He followed Sanders to Colorado last offseason, and in 2023 Hunter scored five offensive touchdowns while adding three interceptions.
That success resulted in a first-team All-American nod as well as the Paul Hornung award (given to the country’s most versatile college player). Hunter entered 2024 with high expectations, and he has delivered so far with a 74-911-9 statline as a receiver (to go along with one rushing touchdowns). On defense, he has matched last year’s interception total while adding eight pass deflections. After averaging nearly 115 total snaps per game last year, Hunter has remained a mainstay on both sides of the ball in 2024.
It will be interesting to see if teams near the top of the draft board consider Hunter as a corner, receiver or a player capable of handling a role on offense and defense. To little surprise, he said (via Troy Renck of the Denver Post) he wants to play both ways at the NFL level, but plenty of time remains for a determinization on that front to be made.
Only one defensive back in NFL history has been selected first overall (Gary Glick in 1956), while four receivers have had that honor (the most recent being Keyshawn Johnson in 1994). In a year where the quarterback position is not highly thought of, Hunter could find himself in contention to hear his name called first during the opening night of the draft. In any case, NFL suitors can now proceed knowing he will be turning pro ahead of the 2025 campaign.
NFL wise
I think he’s a lock to stick at receiver and moonlight as a 3rd down nickel/dime corner in the slot on 3rd and long situations.
Definitely think he can play both sides but defense will be situational
Be fun to watch though. Wish nfl had more two way guys that were productive.
I think most teams will want him to play defense in the pros. The NFL is flooded with talented receivers but has very few lock down corners with good ball skills and instincts. Also the top of the corner market in terms of money is significantly lower than high end receiver money should he reach his highest potential as a pro.
It would definitely be fun. I think a true two-way NFL player would have to be less of a star. If a guy is so good on either side that you want him playing 1,000 snaps or close to it on one side of the ball, it’s begging for injury for him to make much more than a cameo on the other. I’m guessing a true two-way player would be more of a Taysom Hill type.
Yeah, I always think of Troy Brown, who was a dependable wideout, but never an elite one
He is NOT a slot corner. He’s a great boundary corner. A GREAT boundary corner.
Great? He goes up against 3rd round or lower WRs and the QBs he faces aren’t exactly 1st round pedigree either. Rarely does he face off against elite WRs playing at Colorado. If he was doing what he does against the SEC or routinely performed well against top 25 teams in the country I’d have more confidence.
Transitioning to the NFL the jump to WR will be a lot smoother for him than CB.
Could he be a GREAT boundary corner one day? Maybe.
But his first year should be primarily on offense and moonlighting on defense. I’m not sticking a dude who doesn’t have experience against elite receivers in college up against Nico Collins or Calvin Ridley (assuming he goes to the jaguars) day 1. I would stick him up against their 3rd best receiver.
And I would put him at wr starting him opposite Brian Thomas jr where I think as a #2 wr hed have more of an impact.
Good to see he’s focused on helping get his team to the CFP…
Has there ever been a good player that has had a considerable amount of snaps on both offense and defense?
Charles Woodson played portions of his college career on offense, though not as many as Hunter does, and won the Heisman. It helped his chances, in his case-the award voters almost certainly wouldn’t have given it to a defensive only player.
Maybe Roy Green with the Cardinals. Primetime had moments on offense for Dallas as well.
Just hope he doesn’t get stuck on the Jets. Can’t wait to see him on Sundays. Dude’s electric!
Bengals better be in on this guy in the draft