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Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence knows Travis Hunter is hungry for first TD
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- Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence knows Travis Hunter is hungry for first TD
Trevor Lawrence is well aware that Travis Hunter hasn't caught a touchdown yet this season, and it's only a matter of time before it changes.
Lawrence made that clear in the lead-up to the Jacksonville Jaguars ' Week 6 game against the Seattle Seahawks .
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"I think all good receivers tell you when they're open all the time, so there's a little bit of that, but I love it," Lawrence told reporters when asked about Hunter reminding the signal-caller of his production.
The rookie two-way player has made multiple splash plays over the last few weeks, but hasn't hit paydirt with a couple of opportunities early in the season.
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Thus far this season, Hunter has caught 16 passes for 182 yards. He's posted at least 40 receiving yards in each of the last two games, including a 44-yard snag Monday against the Kansas City Chiefs , the longest reception of his young NFL career.
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Hunter was nominated for the league's Week 5 NFL Rookie of the Week honor on Tuesday for his three-catch, 64-yard game , where he also added a pass breakup on defense.
Hunter's prowess as a receiver remains largely untapped, not receiving an exorbitant number of opportunities. For reference, after totaling 14 targets in the first two games of the season combined, Hunter has seen 10 targets in the last three games combined, including three targets against the Chiefs and Texans in Weeks 5 and 3, respectively.
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Hunter's time has been carefully split between the offense and defense. But, as the year and the team's offense go, so will Hunter's production. At least that's how Jaguars head coach Liam Coen put it a couple of weeks ago.
"I think as we continue to go, his usage will continue to go," said Coen.
Travis Hunter, Trevor Lawrence continue to grow their on-field relationship
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) and quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talk before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Hunter's production hasn't been fantastic through five games this season, but he's continued to stack games that showcase his talents, even if it doesn't always show up on the stat sheet.
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One aspect of Hunter's game that's been overlooked is his ability as a blocker. Though he's just 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Hunter plays physically through the point of attack and has helped create rushing lanes when his number's called to do so.
That sort of want-to can be rare for a receiver, let alone a longer-than-wide receiver like Hunter.
Still, Hunter's production is expected to come from the receiving game, not the run game. That's the case with any receiver that steps foot on the gridiron, but especially true for a special playmaker like the former Colorado Buffaloes player.
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He's not afraid to let Lawrence know that the ball can come his way, too.
"The feedback is great, and as a quarterback, I think the guys don't mean anything by that. They just want to let you know they want the ball, so I love it," said Lawrence.
"Our relationship keeps just growing and growing, and just the whole group, I think it's coming together the right way, and we've still got a lot to improve on and a lot of opportunities that are still out there for us," he added, referencing Hunter in addition to players like Brian Thomas Jr. , Dyami Brown , Tim Patrick and Parker Washington .
As for getting Hunter into the end zone? Lawrence isn't worried about that.
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"Getting him in the end zone, that'll happen. So, not too stressed about that, but obviously, we want to make that happen," Lawrence said.
Travis Hunter has 'unique' energy in how he plays, says Lawrence
Lawrence has been around a ton of standout receivers in his playing career, but none have matched the energy that Hunter brings to the table.
"He's definitely unique in the way he plays, the way he carries himself, just the energy, flying around, just seeing him out there playing defense, too," Lawrence said. "It's kind of unbelievable how he's able to play that many snaps and still look fresh and still be running around full speed. It is impressive."
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Hunter is the most energetic player on the team, and boasts the best endurance, with an ability to play to play and start on both sides of the ball.
His energy is infectious.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) and wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) record a social media video chanting “Duuuval!” after the game of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Hunter has a unique way about how he plays, too. On offense, he's one of the most shifty players the league has seen, even through five games into his career. His ability to make players miss is special, but he also showed off his prowess as a pure receiver, able to climb the ladder to bring down a gotta-get-it snag.
He can also play with complete control and smoothness as a defensive back, a position where patience is often rewarded.
"So, that shouldn't be taken lightly. Then, to make some of the plays he made on Monday, it's pretty cool to see. I don't want his head to get too big, so I don't want to give him too much love," Lawrence said with a laugh.
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"But no, he's a great guy and handles himself the right way and it's been fun to play with him," said Lawrence.
How many snaps does Travis Hunter have this season?
Hunter has 198 offensive snaps and 122 on defense.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Travis Hunter still minus TD, but Jacksonville Jagaurs rookie growing
