Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter has captured the national spotlight with the college football season drawing to a close. His two-way abilities on both sides of the field, playing as a cornerback and wide receiver, have elicited reactions from football pundits and coaches on whether Hunter can continue being a two-way threat when he plays in the NFL next season.
Among those joining the discussion is the head honcho of Colorado’s upcoming opponent, Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy. The Buffaloes, who suffered an upset 37-21 loss against Kansas last week, have already seen their dreams of making the College Football Playoff and Big 12 Championship shattered. However, at 8-3, they are already bowl-eligible, and the Buffaloes would like to end their regular season on a positive note.
Mike Gundy Thinks Travis Hunter May Continue To Be Two-Way Star
During Monday’s media availability, a reporter asked Gundy about the prospects of Hunter wanting to continue playing both as a cornerback and wide receiver when he turns professional.
Oklahoma St. head coach Mike Gundy was asked today if he thinks Travis Hunter can play both ways in the NFL.
“I’m not going to say that he can’t do anything that he says he can because when he started it a year ago, I didn’t think that it would last long”
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“I’ve never coached in the NFL, so it’s almost unfair for me to answer that question,” Gundy said. “I’m not going to say he can’t do anything he sets his mind to. When he started it a year ago, I didn’t think it would last long, but now he’s in his second year of doing it. I think the difference will be whether someone in the NFL is willing to pay that kind of money and give him that many reps.
“However, I wouldn’t say he couldn’t do it, just based on what he’s accomplished so far. The game is slower — 52 plays a game compared to what we had. Last week, we had 91 plays just on defense.”
Travis Hunter Affirmed Decision To Continue Being Two-Way Star in NFL
When asked by reporters, Hunter confirmed that he would declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter, who is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this year following an incredible college season, is also expected to be a top pick off the draft board in 2025.
“It’s never been done,” Hunter said of playing two positions full time in the NFL. “I understand that it will be a high risk; [teams] don’t want their top pick to go down too early and I know they’re going to want me to be in a couple packages. But I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it thus far. I like when people tell me I can’t do it.”
Hunter — who has had career highs in receptions (82), receiving yards (1,036) and receiving touchdowns (11), along with recording three interceptions at corner this season — regularly plays 120 snaps a game.