Travis Hunter has only been a Jacksonville Jaguar for a few weeks, but he’s already proving what many in Boulder knew all along: he’s built differently.
The No. 2 overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft is wasting no time acclimating to life at the professional level. After spending much of rookie minicamp working with the offense at wide receiver, Hunter has now transitioned to defense during OTAs — and according to Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, the results have been exactly what you’d hope for from a player of his caliber.
“I think he’s pretty good,” Campanile said with a grin following Jacksonville’s fourth OTA practice on Tuesday. “I’m fired up to have him out there.”
It was a modest assessment for a player who, even as a rookie, is commanding attention at both wide receiver and cornerback. Campanile went on to highlight Hunter’s dedication to his craft, praising his football IQ and relentless drive to improve.
“He’s done a great job working with Coach [Ron] Milus and Coach [Drew] Lascari,” Campanile said. “He’s spending extra time every day, and that says a lot. I have a ton of respect for everything he’s done to this point.”
Carrying the same mindset
For Colorado fans, this level of praise doesn't come as a shock. Whether it was breaking up passes, hauling in touchdowns, or playing more snaps than anyone in the country, Hunter consistently proved he isn't just another five-star recruit — he was something much rarer.
His new coaches are seeing that up close.
“Travis is certainly suited to handle playing both ways,” Campanile said. “He’s incredibly bright, and all of us on the staff have been impressed with how quickly he’s been able to retain information and apply it on the field.”
Offensive and defensive staffs aligned on Hunter's role
Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, head coach Liam Coen, and Campanile have worked together to design a plan that allows Hunter to contribute on both sides of the ball — a rarity in the NFL, but one that suits the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner.
That level of coordination and collaboration is a reflection not only of Hunter’s unique skill set, but also of the confidence Jacksonville’s staff has in his ability to manage the physical and mental demands of a two-way role.
“From a coaching standpoint, I’ve worked at the high school, college, and professional levels — I’ve seen a lot of players try to do this,” Campanile said. “But Travis has a rare makeup. I can’t imagine anyone being more prepared for it.”
What comes next
Hunter is expected to be eased into live-game action during the preseason, beginning with Jacksonville’s opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 9. While his snaps will likely be limited, the early returns suggest the Jaguars view Hunter as a foundational piece for both their secondary and offense.
For Buffs fans, it’s bittersweet to see Hunter wearing a different jersey — but also deeply rewarding to know his development in Boulder laid the groundwork for this next step.
He elevated the standard at Colorado. Now, he’s raising it in Jacksonville.
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