Travis Hunter stresses mental preparation as he adapts to dual roles with Jaguars
Heisman Trophy winner balances duties at wide receiver and cornerback while crediting NIL deal with CELSIUS Energy for helping his camp preparation
Travis Hunter said the mental side of the game has been his primary focus as he transitions from college standout and Heisman Trophy winner to a dual-role rookie for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 2025 Heisman winner, who transferred from Jackson State to Colorado and played both offense and defense in college, was selected second overall by Jacksonville in the NFL draft after the team traded up to acquire him. The Jaguars list Hunter as their No. 2 wide receiver and No. 3 cornerback as he prepares for his first regular-season action.
"Just the mental part, you gotta be mentally strong and ready for whatever comes your way," Hunter said in an interview. "You still got a point to prove. And the playbook, you gotta retain stuff a lot faster and apply that to the field." He added that camp went well and that becoming comfortable with teammates and the playbook helped him get ready for his NFL debut.
Hunter rose to national prominence after transferring from Jackson State to Colorado, where he played on both sides of the ball and won the Heisman Trophy in his final season. Scouts and college coaches initially projected him more as a cornerback, but he demonstrated playmaking ability as a receiver as well, a versatility the Jaguars hope to harness.
Hunter said part of his preparation has been aided by a name, image and likeness agreement with CELSIUS Energy, which he signed before his Heisman campaign. He described the partnership as a factor in keeping his energy levels high during camp and said he was "very excited" to be part of the company's "Live. Fit. Go." campaign.
The NFL presents a different environment from college, Hunter acknowledged, noting that "everyone is faster, stronger, and wiser." He said he has been working to apply what he learns in practice to game situations and to accelerate his grasp of the professional playbook.
The Jaguars, who traded draft assets to move up and select Hunter, have experimented with his deployment in training camp and the preseason, giving him snaps at both receiver and cornerback. Coaching staff have emphasized situational usage as they determine how to best utilize his skill set against NFL competition.
Jacksonville is scheduled to host the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. With the regular season under way, Hunter said his objective remains straightforward: "Just me being myself. Going out there and being what everyone thinks I can be."
Coaches and teammates have noted Hunter's athleticism and competitiveness, and analysts will watch how the Jaguars balance his two-way potential against the demands of the NFL. As the season opens, Hunter's progress in assimilating the mental and schematic aspects of the pro game will be a central factor in how widely he is used on offense and defense.