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'Wish him nothing but the best': Walker, Pederson discuss matchup with Hutchinson, Lions
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- 'Wish him nothing but the best': Walker, Pederson discuss matchup with Hutchinson, Lions
From the moment the Jaguars were set to receive the top overall pick at the 2022 NFL Draft, speculation was former Michigan player Aidan Hutchison would be their selection.
Hutchinson spent most of the pre-draft process as the front runner before Travon Walker emerged and was eventually selected by Jacksonville with the first pick in April's draft.
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Now, the Jaguars and Walker will take on Hutchinson, a player who will forever be tied to Jacksonville because of their decision.
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"One, [he's a] great person. I got a chance to meet him in person, just a great human being, and he's a good football player," head coach Doug Pederson said when asked about Hutchinson. "It's going to be exciting watching him all week this week but watching him in person and understanding he's got a bright future."
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson runs off the field after a win against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Hutchison has logged 31 total tackles with 20 solos, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in 11 games for the Lions this year. He's been a key part to the Lions defense as they've tried to remain competitive in the NFC playoff chase.
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"[They've been] moving him around a little bit, playing the edge position and also inside, five and half sacks and getting pressures, just doing the things that we thought he could do. He's going to be a really good player in this league for a long time," Pederson added.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke highly of Walker as well earlier this week, complementing him on his versatility thus far in his career.
"We really liked Travon," Campbell said. "Liked him a lot. We were really high on him and I think he's what we thought he would be. He's very versatile, he plays their outside linebacker in base, and then plays their rush end. He can play both sides."
Walker has slowed down from his hot start to the season as teams have game planned to take him out of the game. That includes Walker facing double teams and chips among other things when going up against opposing offenses.
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) and defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) talk after Walker picked up a penalty during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-6. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
He's logged 37 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, two pass deflections and 2.5 sacks with an interception during his first 11 games.
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Though he knows they'll be tied together for the remainder of their careers, Walker doesn't look at him as competition.
"I got to know him a little bit throughout the process during the combine things like that. He's cool guy," Walker said. "Like you said, it's just something people will probably try to compare us from here on out. But that's not something that I look at as a competition. Other than me going out there to play football trying to get my job done. Doing what's best to help my team but he's a great player. Wish him nothing but the best."
When the two players take the field on Sunday, it'll be the first time they're facing off since the 2021 College Football Semifinal last year. Walker's side came away with a victory against Hutchinson's Wolverines.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) hauls in a reception score against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the fourth quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jaguars edged the Ravens 28-27. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Sunday will be a 'homecoming' for Jaguars' players
Sunday's trip to Detroit will present the opportunity for a homecoming for members of the Jaguars. Marvin Jones and Jamal Agnew will be returning to face off their former team as Jacksonville faces the Lions.
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"I'm definitely excited to go back out there. Playing against some of the guys I used to play with," Agnew said on returning to Detroit. He was selected as All-Pro as a special team returner there and was able to make an impact on the Lions and their fans. "Out in front of those fans. That place gets electric and especially when they're playing well. Obviously, they have same record as us but they're playing pretty well. So, it'll be rocking, but just go back to the old stomping grounds."
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) sakes the ball after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jaguars edged the Ravens 28-27. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Jones spent five seasons in Detroit and recorded 4,296 yards on 289 catches for 36 touchdowns during his time with the Lions. He established himself as a reliable target for Matthew Stafford and had some of his best years as a pro there.
"It's going to be cool. You know, obviously spent a lot of time there. That was my home for a while so yeah, it'd be good to go see the fans and see the stadium and all that," Jones said.
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Both players had a hand in Jacksonville's comeback victory against Baltimore last week. Agnew caught five passes for 37 yards and a touchdown and Jones logged three receptions for 22 yards and the touchdown to set up the game-winning two-point conversion.
Trevor talks cleats for cause
Trevor Lawrence expounded on his special cleats that he'll wear this weekend for the "My Clause, My Cleats" campaign this weekend. Lawrence partnered with LIFTJAX to highlight eliminating poverty in Jacksonville.
"It's really a cool initiative and group where they full service try to revitalize the community. They focus on providing housing, education, health and wellness, and then they do financial courses and a lot of things like that. It's a really cool thing they do, and it's literally a couple blocks away," Lawrence said during his Wednesday press conference. "I rode there on a golf cart last week, early last week to go visit with those guys and talk to them about all the stuff they're doing and talk about My Cause, My Cleats, why we wanted to partner with them.
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"It's really cool what they're doing over there," he continued. "The East Side is such an important part of Jacksonville, and it's right around the corner, and I think a lot of times it gets overlooked, so it's cool what they're doing, and just for me to get to be a small part of it."
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) takes to the field before a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars held off the Las Vegas Raiders 27-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Lawrence said he and his wife wanted to get more active in the community and the team brought it to his attention. As a part of the initiative, players across the NFL are allowed to wear customized cleats that represent a cause close to him.
Lawrence had two sets of Adidas cleats customized with one pair painted black, red and green with "Out East" written in bold lettering near the toe box. The other pair is lime green and blue with a white base.
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As of Wednesday, Lawrence didn't know which pair he'd wear during the game but hopefully the cleats will draw attention to a cause that's important to the second-year quarterback.
Jersey Reveal
The Jaguars are set to wear white jerseys with teal pants and white socks on Sunday against Detroit.
Juston Lewis is a sports reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter at @JustonLewis_ .
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars preparing to take on Aidan Hutchison and Detroit
