Travis Hunter was a two-way star in college footballbut his future position in the NFL will be a hot topic as 2025 NFL Draft approaching in April.
Hunter could be the top pick in this year’s draft if teams believe he can establish himself as a two-way player at cornerback and wide receiver at the highest level of football. However, he could still become a top 5 and 10 pick as an elite cornerback, as he was with Colorado Football.
MANDATORY READING: Bulletin time. College football season ratings for all 134 teams. Who got an A?
Count the former Florida quarterback and current SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow among those who believe Hunter could still be a two-way star in the NFL. Tebow spoke to USA TODAY Mackenzie Salmon about Hunter’s game.
“I would love to see him. Personally, I’m a fan of him and a fan of his game,” Tebow said of Hunter. “I encourage him to do both because it would be fun.”
Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy vs. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty after putting together a historic season with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a receiver while adding 35 total tackles, four interceptions and 11 corner pass deflections.
Hunter was Colorado’s first player since running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994 to win the Heisman. He is the first non-quarterback since Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith (2020) to win the award and the first defensive back since Michigan’s Charles Woodson (1997).
Tebow said Hunter’s size and athleticism allows him to excel at the next level at both positions.
“I think he’s so rare, so special,” Tebow said. “I just don’t think people realize how big and tall and long he is until you see him up close and personal. He doesn’t have the same size as a lot of corners and DBs. He’s taller, he’s long. He makes other big guys look really small on the field.
“He’s so talented. He’ll be one of the top picks, if not the top pick. He’ll be a great corner. But why not watch him in practice, give him some options and see how he does. On the contrary, he is an incredible athlete who can do so many special things.”
The USA TODAY app quickly takes you to the heart of the news. Download for award-winning cover art, crossword puzzles, audio narrations, e-journal and much more..
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Tim Tebow thinks Travis Hunter could be a two-way star in the NFL
