The Two-Way Experiment Taking Shape in Jacksonville Week 1

In the NFL, experiments are rare—but when they work, they can reshape the future of a franchise. That’s exactly what the Jacksonville Jaguars are attempting with Travis Hunter. The rookie first-round pick is turning heads on both sides of the ball. Drafted for his unique ability to play cornerback and wide receiver, Hunter entered training camp carrying expectations few players ever face. Now, as Week One against the Carolina Panthers approaches, the story isn’t just about promise—it’s about progress. Hunter is showing steady growth that has coaches believing his two-way skill set can become a defining weapon for the Jaguars.

A Defensive Foundation Built on Growth

Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile has seen Hunter’s evolution first-hand. From the moment he arrived, the staff knew Hunter’s college résumé reflected polish, but what has impressed them most has been his work since stepping into Jacksonville’s system.

“A lot, I think, he was well coached in college,” Campanile said. “But I think he has made a really big jump, a big progression from where he has started at to where he is at now. It’s continuing to evolve. He is doing the extra, pulling double duty, so I’m really impressed with that—and it’s all from hard work, so it’s great to see.”

Those words highlight the most encouraging part of Hunter’s early career: he’s not leaning only on raw athleticism. He’s pairing talent with discipline. At cornerback, that means refining footwork, anticipating routes, and staying patient when receivers try to bait him into mistakes. For a defense that faces some of the league’s most explosive passing attacks, a young corner who can be trusted in critical moments is invaluable.

Wide Receiver Lessons That Pay Off at Corner

Hunter’s unique background as a wide receiver is no side note—it’s a core advantage. When asked whether his offensive reps could benefit his work at cornerback, Campanile didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, for sure,” Campanile said. “There’s just so much carryover, you know what I mean? There’s so much you learn.”

Travis Hunter understands how receivers disguise breaks in their routes, how leverage can be manipulated, and how timing creates separation. That insider knowledge, now flipped to defense, gives him a sense of anticipation few rookies possess. When Jacksonville does give him offensive reps, that same perspective sharpens his ability to run crisp routes and exploit defenders who lack his two-way insight.

Preparing for the Stage

With the Panthers looming in Week One, Hunter’s development couldn’t be more timely. Jacksonville’s coaching staff values versatility, and Hunter embodies it. He may not play every snap on defense, but even limited opportunities for a team seeking to build a faster, more flexible identity fit perfectly.

The Long View

Travis Hunter is not a finished product, and no one inside the Jaguars’ building expects him to be. What excites them is the trajectory. From film study to conditioning, from cornerback technique to offensive polish, Hunter has shown he’s willing to embrace the grind. As Campanile emphasized, his rise is the result of effort, not shortcuts.

The NFL hasn’t seen a consistent two-way player in decades. If Jacksonville’s experiment with Hunter succeeds, they may have found something rare: a weapon capable of shifting games from both sides of the ball. His story is still being written, but the opening chapters make one thing clear—this experiment is no gimmick. It’s real, it’s evolving, and it just might change the Jaguars’ future

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