Travis Hunter mystery opens up NFL debate

Travis Hunter, winner of the Heisman Trophy, is considered a once-in-a-generation talent. The University of Colorado standout dazzled at the college level playing on both sides of the ball — as a wide receiver on offense and a cornerback on defense. Now, with less than a month to go before the NFL Draft, he still doesn’t know which position he’ll play professionally, even after excelling at both.

“They want to see how much I can handle, and at this point, it’s up to me,” Hunter told the Associated Press on Thursday. “It’s just about me being me.”

One possible concern heading into the pros is the physical toll of playing two of the NFL’s most demanding positions. But the 21-year-old Florida native says he takes care of his body to make it possible.

“To be honest, I think I just need to see if my body can allow me to do everything and keep it going,” he said. “But I do a lot of treatment, so I can maintain my body and give it what it needs.”

Travis Hunter, a star in offense and defense

As a wide receiver, Hunter led the Big 12 Conference with 96 catches and 15 touchdowns, racking up 1,258 receiving yards. The performance earned him not only the Heisman, but also the Walter Camp Award, given to the most outstanding college football player, and the Biletnikoff Award, presented to the nation’s top receiver.

On defense, Hunter claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors the top defensive player in college football. He posted 25 tackles and four interceptions in 2024, continuing a rare two-way dominance unseen in decades. Other recent Bednarik winners now thriving in the NFL include Payton Wilson (Steelers), Will Anderson Jr. (Texans), and Jordan Davis (Eagles).

Whether he ends up as a shutdown corner, a top-tier wideout, or something entirely new, Travis Hunter looks set to redefine what’s possible in the modern NFL.

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