Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy suggests Travis Hunter could play both ways in the NFL

Aside from being one of the top players across college football, two-way Colorado superstar Travis Hunter is also one of the most fascinating NFL prospects in recent history. Proving weekly that he deserves to be drafted as a wide receiver just as much as he does as a defensive back.

The executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl Jim Nagy recently joined Andy & Ari On3 and spoke about Hunter as a prospect. Where Nagy answered the frequently asked question regarding Hunter potentially playing on both sides of the ball on Sundays the same way he has on Saturdays.

“He’s gonna be great on either side,” Nagy said. “I would play him at corner and then I would spot play him on offense at the next level. Just like they did with Coach Sanders when he played in the NFL. You’re going to be able to get Travis Hunter some touches on offense.”

“You brought up Kyle Shanahan, I’d love to see what Coach (Sean) McVay would do. Some of these creative people, the Detroit Lions right now are doing some really cool creative stuff. To have this guy on defense and then flip him and try to manufacture five to seven touches a game out of this guy on offense, that’s where I would go,” Nagy added. “At least right now that’s where my head would be if I were an NFL team.”

The coaches and teams Nagy mentioned likely won’t be in a position to select Hunter in next year’s draft. Projected to be one of the top first-round picks in 2025.

But whichever team does get lucky enough to select Hunter has potentially limitless possibilities. A player who’s constantly been making history this season with a Big 12-leading 60 receptions and eight touchdowns along with 757 yards plus 21 tackles, a Big 12-leading seven pass breakups, two interceptions, one tackle for loss, and a game-winning forced fumble versus Baylor.

But what potentially impresses Nagy the most about Hunter besides his obviously supreme athleticism is how he’s mentally been able to manage leading the nation in snaps played as an impact player on both sides of the ball.

“He’s a phenomenal athletic talent. To me what he doesn’t get credit for is exactly what you said, this guy’s going both ways full-time,” Nagy said. “I mean the stamina, the toughness, the competitiveness, the focus, right? Like some guys struggle focusing as part-time players. You got to be dialed in as a corner, so all of those other things, to me, is what really makes Travis Hunter exceptional in my mind.”

It will be captivating to watch Hunter’s finish to the season and pursuit of the Heisman Trophy, but his NFL Draft evaluation, selection process, and utilization at the next level may be even more fascinating to track in the near future.