Travis Hunter has had a terrific season on both sides of the ball in 2024. As an expected high draft pick, many believe he’ll have to pick a side once he reaches the NFL.
One high-profile Hall of Famer may think otherwise.
Hall of Fame Cornerback Champ Bailey Gives Vote of Confidence to Travis Hunter Playing Both Ways in the NFL
It’s been a huge topic of conversation amongst current and former NFL players whether the Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback can play both ways in the NFL.
Hunter amassed 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense while recording 31 tackles, 11 passes deflected, and four interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.
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The NFL has not seen a two-way star to the degree of Hunter’s play in college football. Oftentimes, a player — much like Hunter’s head coach, Deion Sanders — will have a set of plays in the game plan specifically for them to get the ball. But playing the entirety of the game on both sides of the ball? It’s yet to be done.
Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey, who built a decorated resume with the now-Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos across 15 seasons in the NFL, recently weighed in on the matter.
While joining Inside The NBA, Bailey had this to say: “I see him getting a shot to do it because he’s young, he’s capable, but we have to be real. These are grown men out there.”
“I’d give him a shot to do both” @champbailey joined Inside to talk the CFP, Heisman Award, and whether Travis Hunter should play offense or defense in the NFL 👀 pic.twitter.com/k80eQZe2Nv
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 20, 2024
He went on to say he believes he’ll settle on the defensive side of the ball, citing that there are 5-10 wide receivers in the NFL that are “head and shoulders” above Hunter.
“Corner is a less dependable position for an individual. Offense, you need a quarterback, you need an offensive line. He needs to focus on defense, more or less, than offense. But I’d give him a shot to do both.”
That final sentence offered a glimpse into Bailey’s mindset and what exactly he’d do if he were coaching Hunter.
In Bailey’s senior season with the Georgia Bulldogs in 1998, he captured the Bronco Naguski Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player. He also caught 47 passes for 744 yards and five touchdowns.
Hunter was also given the Nagurski Award for his efforts in 2024, while he won the Biletnikoff Award for being the most outstanding receiver. While their skill sets may be similar, Bailey never reached the sheer dominance on the offensive side of the ball that Hunter has embodied throughout his collegiate career.
Through all the talk, Hunter has maintained his intent to play both sides in the NFL. A Hall of Famer’s opinion should always be accounted for, and Bailey didn’t shut down the possibility that it could happen.
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