Jacksonville Jaguars’ GM James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen each — once again — addressed Travis Hunter’s role with the team this season.
When the Jaguars drafted Hunter, the plan for him was to play both offense and defense. Earlier this offseason, Gladstone and Coen said that was still the plan. And on May 6, that still remains the case.
“Absolutely not,” Gladstone said when asked by Rich Eisen if Hunter was done playing both ways. “He is set to play both sides of the ball. The piece that we can expect to see is an uptick in corner usage.”
Gladstone has mentioned on other occasions this offseason that Hunter would see more snaps at cornerback. Given the construction of the Jaguars roster, that is more so where he is needed. The expectation is that Hunter will start opposite Montaric Brown.
Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen believes that Hunter’s presence at cornerback can even benefit the pass rush.
On offense, the Jaguars have Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington at wide receiver, but Gladstone made it clear that Hunter will factor into that equation as well.
In Jacksonville’s game last season against the LA Rams, Hunter appeared to be poised for a breakout, surpassing the 100-yard receiving mark in that game.
In a separate interview, Coen was asked the same question about Hunter continuing to play both ways.
“The plan has not changed at all,” Coen said. “He’s going to play both sides of the football just as we drafted him to do.”
Hunter is still working his way back from a season-ending knee injury. With offseason programs underway, Hunter remains limited, but Gladstone says he should return to play at “full tick” for training camp.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars remain steadfast in decision behind Travis Hunter’s playing time
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
