The Jacksonville Jaguars are counting on a big season from second-year phenom Travis Hunter.

The two-way star is having his primary responsibility switched in 2026. During his rookie year, Hunter was mostly used as a wide receiver and was deployed on defense only occasionally. This year, Hunter will be a full-time cornerback, while his role on offense has yet to be determined.

The Jaguars released their first unofficial depth chart, and Hunter was listed as a starting CB and the primary backup to WR Brian Thomas Jr., suggesting his role on offense may remain substantial. However, he has the talent to become a true shutdown corner, and the excitement over his potential at CB is growing.

Anthony Campanile, Jacksonville's defensive coordinator, has noticed a big difference in Hunter this offseason. Not only has he added muscle without losing any of his top-end speed, but Campanile has also seen a "big jump" from Hunter.

Campanile had plenty to say about Hunter during his media availability on Wednesday. He spoke about seeing Hunter move more fluidly and showing a better understanding of how to communicate with his teammates on defense. He has been impressed with Hunter so far during camp.

“Done a really good job. I think he's taken a big jump. I think he's spent a lot of good time with Mat [Defensive Pass Game Coordinator Mathieu Araujo] even off the field, learning the system. Just a little bit more fluid for him, easier for him to communicate. I think he knows it a little bit better. Obviously, we talked about his body physically. He's a different guy right now physically, which is great but I think he's done a great job balancing both. Which in camp, it's a lot, they are long days, and you're on both sides. And he's done a really good job compartmentalizing when he's with us. The communication's been good, and I'm sure the same thing, E.B. [Wide Receivers Coach Edgar Bennett] would tell you the same thing on offense.”

One of Hunter's most impressive traits as a cornerback is his elite ball skills. He naturally makes plays on the ball and creates turnovers. It is that quality that caused DeAngelo Hall to say that Hunter is the type of player opposing quarterbacks fear.

Campanile spoke about Hunter's rare ball skills, as well.

“He has elite ball skills. The thing about Travis, obviously, you can see even in some of these practices, he can go up and tear the ball out of the air. So that's advantageous for us, obviously defensively, and he's aggressive. He goes after the ball like a receiver, so that's what's exciting about him. And you saw a little bit of that in practice the other day. I thought he made a heck of a play, honestly, coming out of nowhere and tearing the ball out of this guy.”

Another thing that Campanile has been impressed with about Hunter is that he is not playing overly aggressively. A young player like Hunter, who has such high expectations, can often try to do too much and gamble too often to make a play. Campanile hasn't seen that from Hunter, and credits his defensive passing game coordinator.

“I really haven't. I think Mat Araujo's done a great job with him. Really with all those guys but one of the things they're doing very well collectively as a unit is they're playing with really good technique. Their eye discipline's been really good and that's an everyday thing. You've got to work on it every day and Travis has been pretty vigilant with that as well, and I think he's done a good job and it's helped him.”

Hunter is obviously putting the work in to become the best possible cornerback he can be this season. After his somewhat disappointing rookie season ended after only seven games because of a knee injury, Hunter is entering his second year under a lot of pressure to become the superstar he was expected to be coming out of college.

If Hunter can turn into a top cornerback, Jacksonville's defense could be downright scary this season, although he still

has a lot to prove before he hears his name mentioned alongside the best corners in the NFL.

However, Campanile sees a player who is doing whatever he can to make sure he reaches his potential. Hunter is on his way to becoming a dangerous weapon for Jacksonville's defense.

The Jaguars have big plans for Hunter. He is a special talent who is one of the most unique players the NFL has ever seen. Jacksonville drafted him to become a franchise cornerstone and he must start showing that potential this season.

Campanile is very excited for what Hunter will be bringing to his defense. The regular season is just around the corner, and all signs are pointing to Hunter enjoying his breakout campaign.