Travis Hunter has been identified as a cornerback, at least for the upcoming NFL draft combine. The Boynton Beach-born football star, familiar to many as the winner of the Heisman Trophy in 2024, is officially named as a defensive back for the NFL Scouting Combine that will take place in Indianapolis later this month. His position assignment will guide the time he’s slotted to participate at the event and determine the type of drills he’ll engage in.
Despite this listing, there’s no shortage of speculation around whether Hunter’s primary position will remain cornerback in pro football. This subject is the central point of many a discussion among football enthusiasts and experts alike. While playing for Colorado, he demonstrated his versatile skills, making his name as a formidable player, excelling in both defensive and offensive roles.
In college football, Hunter was celebrated for his performance as both a wide receiver and cornerback. His extraordinary skills are reflected in his Heisman-winning statistics: he made the top six in terms of catches, yards received, and touchdowns, and was in the top 20 for both interceptions and defended passes. His prowess in these areas didn’t go unrecognized, and he remained a key target for major recruitments.
Expectations were high that he would primarily focus on defense with occasional offensive plays during his tenure as the top recruit nationwide. Future plans were closely associated with Florida State, to which Hunter had initially committed. This decision lasted until a surprising turn of events on national signing day in 2021 when there was a substantial shift in his commitment.
The plot twisted when Jackson State’s coach, Deion Sanders, offered him a unique opportunity – a shot at both positions. This proposal was made a reality in 2022 and endured when Hunter went on to play for Colorado under coach Sanders’ leadership the following year. Despite what was proven possible in college football, it’s understood that the NFL is an entirely different animal.
The heavy-duty gameplay in the NFL calls for absolute physical endurance, starting with an extended regular-season duration of a month. However, should he subsequently choose to concentrate as a cornerback full-time, options aren’t closed off. His alliance to the game could still see him making unique contributions by partaking in strategic formations or plays as an offensive player, similar to how Sanders operated during his illustrious Hall of Fame tenure.
For those keeping an eye on the 2025 NFL Combine schedule, it is as follows, in Eastern Time: Defensive linemen and linebackers kick things off at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27. Defensive backs and tight ends will take the stage the following day, Feb. 28, again at 3 p.m.
On Saturday, March 1, quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers will demonstrate their skills, starting at 1 p.m. Finally, on Sunday, March 2, it’s the turn of the offensive linemen, also at 1 p.m. The NFL Scouting Combine will embark on its four-day course starting from Feb. 27 and concluding on March 2.
As per the plan, Travis Hunter will join the other athletes during the session reserved for defensive backs on Friday, Feb. 28. This has been both expected and eagerly awaited, considering his considerable reputation built over the previous seasons.
Eager to know about the NFL Draft? Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft is due to take place on Thursday, April 24, commencing from 8 p.m. ET. This will be succeeded by Rounds 2-3 on Friday, April 25, and rounds 4-7 on the following day, Saturday, April 26.
The venue for the 2025 NFL Draft has been decided upon as Lambeau Field complemented by the Titletown complex, located in the little slice of football heaven known as Green Bay, Wisconsin. The setting is fitting for the important decisions and negotiations that will shape many a professional football career.
The fateful day will commence at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 24, as future professional athletes watch closely. The rest of the draft will take course over the following days, painting the picture for the next season of professional football.
Making its presence felt distinctly at the draft will be the Tennessee Titans, who hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick status. Yet for now, all eyes are on Travis Hunter and his performance at the Scouting Combine, wondering whether this Heisman Trophy winner will rejuvenate his multi-faceted role or become a dedicated cornerback.