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Is Travis Hunter exceeding expectations already? Jaguars' Tony Boselli explains why
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- Is Travis Hunter exceeding expectations already? Jaguars' Tony Boselli explains why
It didn't take long for Travis Hunter to make an impact with the Jacksonville Jaguars .
Hunter has participated in two rookie minicamp practices in addition to some Phase II work on the field and has been in Jacksonville for just over a week since earning his degree from Colorado on May 8.
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Still, that hasn't deterred the team's top brass from getting excited.
"He's exceeded my expectations," Jaguars EVP Tony Boselli said on a recent appearance on NFL Network . "You see the athlete on the field, you see how he moves, the change of direction, the body control, but it's the person that I'm most enamored with, just the natural leadership, the energy he brings, the excitement, the smile, and he's a tireless worker."
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Hunter, 21, was one of the most intriguing prospects to ever enter the draft after what he accomplished at both the prep and collegiate level — playing on both sides of the football full-time and without limitations.
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Hunter was one of the most dominant players in college football last season. He earned several accolades after the year, including the Heisman Trophy, Fred Biletnikoff Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award, among others. The latter two honors are awarded to the nation's best receiver and best defensive player, respectively.
Hunter earned his keep playing receiver and cornerback throughout his football career. Last year at Colorado, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns while totalling 36 tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
Hunter wasn't just solid at the positions, he excelled at both.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hunter ranked second among corners selected in this year's draft in coverage rating at 90.3, allowing 23 catches for 222 yards and one touchdown. Texas' Jahdae Barron ranked ahead of him. Hunter ranked seventh in coverage rating among all corners last year.
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But, in addition to his success on the field, he's equally or more successful away from the gridiron. Hunter was a two-time Academic All-America first team selection and was known as one of the leaders within the Colorado Buffaloes' football program.
"This is a guy that wants to be the best. Just watch his demeanor and how he approaches even just the Phase 2 workouts on the field, how he approached rookie minicamp. This is a guy who's hungry to be the best," Boselli said.
The next time Hunter takes the field, he will showcase his skills on the defensive side of the ball as the Jaguars attempt to make him the first full-time two-way player in decades.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius .
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Travis Hunter exceeding expectations beyond football with Jaguars
