Travis Hunter's Record-Breaking Two-Way Performance for Colorado Ignites Heisman Trophy Hype

Jacksonville counts on Travis Hunter’s two-way magic in Sunday’s opener Rookie phenom Travis Hunter will step onto EverBank Stadium’s turf this Sunday as more than just the Jacksonville Jaguars’ No. 2 overall draft pick. He is expected to line up as an every-down wide receiver and a situational cornerback against the Carolina Panthers, fulfilling the “unicorn” vision head coach Doug Pederson and new OC Liam Coen have teased all summer. Snap-count expectations • Offense: roughly 65–70% of snaps in three-receiver sets, with Hunter stationed primarily at Z but motioned inside to exploit mismatches, per team sources. • Defense: 10–15 sub-package snaps, matching up with Panthers slot weapon Jonathan Mingo in obvious passing situations. • Special teams: Pederson declined to reveal whether Hunter will return punts, calling it a “game-time decision.” Why Jacksonville is all-in The Jaguars lost veteran wideout Calvin Ridley to free agency and need a vertical threat opposite Christian Kirk. Hunter’s 4.34-second speed and 42-inch vertical popped in preseason, where he averaged 2.8 yards of separation per route and recorded a 96.7 PFF offensive grade. On defense, his ball-hawking instincts produced two interceptions during joint practices with Miami. Trevor Lawrence chemistry Quarterback Trevor Lawrence praised Hunter’s “late hands” and “basketball-style body control,” adding that the rookie already has a full route tree. Fantasy managers who stashed Hunter may see WR3/FLEX upside immediately if he approaches the projected 7–9 targets. Matchup vs. Panthers secondary Carolina starts two rookie corners in Deon Cain and Chau Smith-Williams. Expect Coen to isolate Hunter on the boundary early, forcing single-high safety coverage that opens the middle for Kirk and tight end Evan Engram. If the Panthers rotate safeties, Hunter shifts into the slot to run choice routes—concepts he mastered at Colorado under Deion Sanders. Defensive cameo could flip momentum Coordinator Ryan Nielsen plans to use Hunter in a dime look with press-man principles. His presence allows Jacksonville to disguise blitzes; on third-and-long, watch for Hunter bumping into the slot pre-snap before bailing into a robber zone. Historical context The NFL has not seen a true two-way contributor since Deion Sanders’ 1996 stint with Dallas. Hunter, mentored by Sanders in Boulder, now carries that torch at just 22 years old. “Playing both sides keeps me locked in,” Hunter told reporters after Thursday’s practice. What it means for Jacksonville’s season • Offensive ceiling rises: A legitimate deep threat widens running lanes for Travis Etienne Jr. • Depth insurance: Corner injuries plagued Jacksonville in 2024; Hunter can pivot instantly if starters falter. • Marketing boom: The club has already sold out Hunter jerseys, and national broadcasts flexed Jaguars-Panthers into the late-afternoon window. Key storylines to watch Sunday 1. First offensive touch—bubble screen or go route? 2. How many two-way snaps before fatigue shows? 3. Does Carolina shadow Hunter with safety help, freeing Kirk for a 100-yard day? 4. Special-teams X-factor: one punt return could tilt field position. Bottom line Travis Hunter’s NFL debut offers a rare double dose of explosiveness that could redefine positional value league-wide. If he delivers, Jacksonville’s playoff expectations—and search interest—will spike even higher on Monday morning.