In 2024, Colorado Buffaloes WR/CB Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy after playing 1,481 snaps on offense and defense, more than any other player in college football.
As a wide receiver, he scored 15 touchdowns while intercepting four passes when lining up on defense as a cornerback. But his praise as a two-way player has caused some concern in NFL circles, until Andrew Berry spoke out on Hunter’s two-way play.
Why a Shohei Ohtani Comparison Could End the Travis Hunter 2-Way NFL Draft Debate
Berry, the Cleveland Browns General Manager, was quoted in Daniel Oyefusi’s article on ESPN.com speaking to the chance Hunter could play both ways for the franchise.
“It’s a little bit like (Shohei) Ohtani, where when he’s playing one side, he’s an outstanding player,” Berry said. “If he’s a pitcher, he’s a hitter, he’s an outstanding player. You obviously get a unicorn if you use him both ways.”
Ohtani began playing for the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, both hitting and pitching. He won two MVP awards in the American League before signing a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.
He helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 2024 and had a record 50/50 season, hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases, while winning another MVP award.
Hunter wants to continue playing both offense and defense in the NFL, though Berry views him primarily as a receiver.
Hunter even said he would consider leaving football if he wasn’t allowed to play both positions.
“It’s never playing football again,” Hunter told CBS Sports. “Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.”
KEEP READING: Travis Hunter’s Fit Explained by Mel Kiper
With the NFL Draft now a week away, we’ll find out soon enough if Hunter goes to the Browns—and whether he continues to perform as a two-way player.
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