What position will Travis Hunter play in NFL? Inside Colorado star's stats, snap counts on offense and defense

Daniel Chavkin

What position will Travis Hunter play in NFL? Inside Colorado star's stats, snap counts on offense and defense image

Travis Hunter is likely playing in his final collegiate season. And the two-way player continues to impress for Colorado.

The best player on 4-1 Colorado, the junior is making his imprint on both offense and defense in the 2024 campaign.

Because Hunter plays two different positions — on opposite sides of the ball — and plays them both successfully, fans are wondering: Which position will Hunter play at the next level?

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What positions does Travis Hunter play?

Hunter plays both cornerback and wide receiver for the Buffaloes as the best full-time two-way player in college football this year.

The 21-year-olds' success as both a receiver on offense and a cornerback on defense makes him one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

MORE: Why Travis Hunter trails Ashton Jeanty in Heisman Trophy odds

Travis Hunter stats on offense

As the college football season heads into Week 7, Hunter leads the country with 46 catches and ranks in the top 10 among receivers with 561 yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Offensive Snap CountReceptionsReceiving YardsYards per catchYards per gameTouchdowns
3004656112.2112.26

Travis Hunter stats on defense

Hunter's defensive stats may not be as gaudy, but they are still impressive considering how much he plays during games. The Buffaloes star has played in 620 of a possible 689 snaps for Colorado this year, more by far than any other player in the country.

Defensive Snap CountTacklesTackles for lossInterceptionsPasses defendedForced Fumbles
320161231

While most players are able to rest if their side of the ball isn't needed, Hunter plays the majority of the game, more akin to a basketball player than a football player.

MORE: NFL Mock Draft 2025: Where will Travis Hunter land?

What position will Travis Hunter play in the NFL?

The NFL is so physically demanding that whichever team drafts Hunter may ask him to play either cornerback or wide receiver, not both. If Hunter had his choice, however, he'd remain a two-way player.

"My goal is to continue to be a two-way player," Hunter said, via Forbes.com. "If given the opportunity, I’d strive to continue making an impact on both ends of the field, helping my team wherever they need me most.

"One of my greatest strengths is my versatility as a player, and I love the challenge of learning and excelling in both roles and pushing my limits."

Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, when speaking to NFL-playing brothers Amon-Ra and Equanimeous on their "St. Brown Podcast" in September, questioned Hunter's receiving credentials due in part to his 6-1 frame.

“I think he goes as a corner just because receivers his size… he’s not a special size, super dynamic route runner,” Sherman said. “He’s a great athlete and he’s smooth so he can get it done. I’m sure if he focused on receiver he could be elite. But as a corner, he just looks natural.”

Only time will tell where Hunter ends up. Once Hunter enters the draft and goes through that process, though, he should have a better idea of how teams view him at the next level. 

Travis Hunter NFL Draft projection

Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer projects Hunter as the No. 1 overall pick to the Patriots in his latest 2025 mock draft.

Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin Photo

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.