Travis Hunter has made waves in college football, showcasing his incredible talent on both sides of the ball for the Colorado Buffaloes last season. As he prepares for the upcoming NFL draft in April, the question arises: should he continue to play as a two-way player at the professional level? ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith certainly has his doubts.
The Case for Specialization
During a recent discussion with Hunter and former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton on Radio Row in New Orleans, Smith shared his insights on why Hunter might be better off focusing on one position moving forward. “Size,” Smith emphasized, “If you’re on both sides of the ball, it’s overexposure. You’re bound to get hurt. You have to protect yourself by picking what you do best.” This advice comes from a place of experience and concern, as the demands of the NFL can be grueling, especially for a player of Hunter’s stature—standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds.
Hunter’s Remarkable College Career
Despite the concerns, Hunter’s college career has been nothing short of spectacular. He made history by becoming the first player to win both the Bednarik Award and the Biletnikoff Award, which are awarded to the best defensive player and receiver in college football, respectively. His performance on the field was jaw-dropping: he recorded 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also contributing defensively with 35 total tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Hunter’s achievements didn’t stop there; he also claimed the prestigious Heisman Trophy, narrowly edging out Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Reflecting on his success, Hunter stated on his podcast, “It kinda showed me what I can do when I’m fully locked in. It’s definitely something I’ll look back on and be like, ‘Dang, I got all these trophies that I didn’t know of that I knew I could reach, but I didn’t know to a certain extent that I would get all the ones I wanted to get.'”
The Physical Demands of the NFL
While Hunter’s accomplishments are impressive, the transition to the NFL presents a different set of challenges. The physical demands of playing at the professional level can take a toll, and history shows that few players have successfully maintained a two-way role in the league. Hunter’s coach at Colorado, Deion Sanders, is a notable exception, having played both ways during his illustrious career and even venturing into Major League Baseball. However, the reality is that the NFL is a different beast, and specialization often becomes necessary for longevity and success.
Hunter’s Aspirations Beyond Football
Hunter has expressed a desire to break the mold, joking about his multi-sport capabilities. “If y’all don’t know, I could play a lot of sports,” he said. “But, you would never know because I play football. But, I can play basketball, too. I can run track. I could do long jump, high jump. I could play baseball if I felt like it.” This playful banter highlights Hunter’s confidence and versatility, but it also raises the question: can he truly manage the workload he’s asking for?
What Lies Ahead for Travis Hunter
As the NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on Travis Hunter. His unique skill set and dual-threat capability make him an intriguing prospect, but the decision to specialize or continue as a two-way player could define his professional career. Will he heed the advice of analysts like Stephen A. Smith, or will he forge his own path, following in the footsteps of legends like Deion Sanders?
The excitement surrounding Hunter is palpable, and fans are eager to see how his journey unfolds. With a track record of excellence in college football, he has the potential to make a significant impact at the next level. However, the question remains: can he balance the demands of playing both offense and defense in a league known for its intensity and physicality?
In the world of college football, Travis Hunter has already etched his name in history. As he transitions to the NFL, the choices he makes now could shape not just his career, but also the future of how players approach the game. The upcoming draft will be a pivotal moment for Hunter, and the football community will be watching closely to see what he decides. Time will tell if he can manage the workload he’s asking for, but one thing is for certain: the future is bright for this remarkable athlete.
