Travis Hunter’s NFL saga comes to a decisive juncture after the NFL released the full list of prospects who have been invited to the NFL combine to showcase their skill and talent. The list predictively includes the Colorado two-way star’s name but not as a two-way star. They have noted him down as a cornerback, giving an answer to a million-dollar question: which position Hunter will go for in the NFL? Coach Prime’s favorite boy once said he would like to tap into both if he was given a chance. A lot of veterans and fans chimed in afterward, pointing out the delusional aspect of that wish. However, some fans secretly hoped that the Colorado gem would contribute to both sides of the game until the latest announcement dealt a blow.

With 713 offensive snaps and 748 defensive snaps in 2024, it’s difficult to determine which side Travis Hunter contributes more. Hunter can probably get snaps on both sides of the ball, but it’s naïve to imagine he will be a full-time starter at receiver and cornerback like he was in Boulder under Coach Prime. Simply because the NFL and college football structures differ greatly, it will be more than taxing to take both loads at a time for any class athlete of his rank. So, we have to grade purely in one position, and for the time being, it seems to be in favor of the defense.

Now that we have some clarity, let’s go back and reflect on some naysayers. Cam Newton was among the first few to doubt that Colorado’s No. 12 could play both sides of the ball. Nobody doubts Travis Hunter’s talents. It has never been about that. Just imagine the scenario where Travis Hunter goes against the best corner in the opposition and then, in the very next snap, lines up against their best wide receiver. Even in thought, it sounds daunting. Of course, college football presents its own set of challenges, and Hunter mastered both positions. Shannon Sharpe and Ocho articulated similar stances. All the naysayers were ridiculed. By Coach Prime, by Hunter, by Buffs faithful. Now that we have an update from the combine, we hear again from a naysayer.

Reflecting on the rationales of the decision, Shannon Sharpe explained on today’s (14th February 2025) episode of the Nightcap podcast. “They like to play him at the corner and have some packages. What we were saying. Everybody was jumping on us about why he can’t play every snap on offense and defense because he can’t,” Sharpe took a dig at some people’s unrealistic hopes.

”Y’all just want to argue the fact with people who have played the game that have studied the game, I ain’t talking about no, we’re not any casuals; we know what it takes to play at an elite level,” the HoFer tight end batted for the basics of the NFL that never allows him to play on both sides, especially with the increased injury risk.

However, Sharpe’s take directly calls out Coach Prime, who wants the same unfathomable NFL future for his favorite boy.

Deion Sanders seems frustrated over NFL coaches’ limitation on Travis Hunter

Deion Sanders has always been the biggest cheerleader of Travis Hunter through thick and thin. There can’t be any debate that makes you question whether or not Travis Hunter can excel at both offense and defense. Because his numbers speak louder. Former Raiders’ GM Mike Mayock also believes Hunter can easily contribute to the offense occasionally when he has been put on priority as a defensive back. So, basically, he can’t do a 50-50 contribution, but a 70-30 or 80-20 can be easily carried out.

But Coach Prime, to our surprise, got this truth a bit later. Initially, he was determined to have his boy drafted to such a team that allowed him to bloom to his full potential on both sides of the ball. He thinks benching the kid on either side would be a major wasted opportunity for any team.

However, as we inched closer to the draft, Sanders realized the bitter truth of the NFL scenario. Appearing on Radio Row on Friday, the coach phenom breathed a sigh of regret, noting, “Coaches won’t allow it because they can’t fathom what they can’t do themselves,” Sanders explained, hinting at a pinch of jealousy. He pointed out that he was able to guide Hunter through playing both offense and defense without a complex, but not everyone can do that.

So, the future is pretty clear. Travis Hunter’s two-way status signs off from here gracefully.