After overcoming a torn LCL, the dual-threat phenom returns with ten pounds of added muscle and newfound speed, ready to anchor Jacksonville’s defense and ignite a breakout season.
Travis Hunter was afraid he'd get slower after gaining 10 pounds of muscle throughout the offseason, but training camp erased his doubts; he indeed got faster.
"I’m like, ‘Ah, dang, I ain’t never played at this weight. I’m gonna feel heavy. I’m not going to be able to do what I do,’ Hunter said after Day 3 of camp. "But training and being able to put those months in… it made me feel lighter on my feet.”
Hunter's rookie campaign came to a premature end after he suffered a torn LCL in his right knee during non-contact practice in late October. He underwent successful surgery about two weeks later and was given a six-month recovery time.
The 2025 second-overall pick extended that recovery period to nine months, becoming fully active for training camp. He documented his rehab journey on YouTube, showing the workouts he did at home and in the weight room to improve functionality and gain weight.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been cautious with its dual-position star, slowly increasing his workload during training camp. Hunter played 24 snaps in the first two days, with more reps at cornerback (16 defensive and eight offensive).
Day 3 saw a more even distribution of snaps (eight defensive and seven offensive). His body is responding well to playing both sides of the ball again, and that's an encouraging sign.
Many analysts chimed in about how the Jaguars should utilize their versatile playmaker, often focusing on one end of the ball. Coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone reinforced that Hunter will continue to play both sides, although with more reps on defense.
Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers headline the wide receiver core. Thomas and Washington each recorded over 700 yards, while Meyers -- a midseason trade acquisition -- tallied 483 yards in nine games.
Their production is more than enough to allow the 6-foot-1 phenom to play at cornerback. Hunter's injury prevented him from showing the elite defensive skills that earned him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at Colorado under coach Deion Sanders.
He accumulated 35 tackles (11 solo), 11 passes defended, a forced fumble and four interceptions.
Hunter has been at the forefront of offseason discussions about the Jaguars. He's been labeled as their breakout star, X-factor and even Kyle Nash, host of "The Duval Drive," believes he'll win Comeback Player of the Year.
His confidence has grown since realizing he's gotten faster after adding 10 pounds of muscle. It's a telltale sign that a bounce-back season is in the works, and Jacksonville certainly needs its second-year dual-position star to raise its ceiling after a 13-4 season last year.
The 23-year-old is only getting better by the day as training camp progresses.
