JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Travis Hunter delivered a significant offensive impact during his two-way debut Friday night, a development that pleased Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. Hunter logged 38 snaps – 17 with the first-team offense and 21 with the first-team defense – in the Jaguars’ scrimmage, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 11,000 at EverBank Stadium. This marked the rookie’s inaugural experience playing on both sides of the ball during training camp, a key step in his development as a versatile player. Coen highlighted the successful execution of the planned work with Hunter on offense early on, followed by his integration onto the defensive unit, allowing him sufficient reps. The primary objective of the scrimmage was to provide Hunter with valuable experience across both sides of the ball, emphasizing ‘quality work’ and fostering his adaptability. While Hunter didn’t experience extensive action as a cornerback due to the effectiveness of the first-team defensive line generating strong rushes, Coen acknowledged the positive outcome of the session. When Hunter had the ball in his hands on offense, he demonstrated a high level of performance, showcasing his ability to operate effectively. Specifically, Hunter caught three passes for a total of 43 yards, including a crucial 21-yard reception in the middle of the field that propelled the offense into the red zone. The throw intended for Hunter was slightly behind, allowing linebacker Ventrell Miller to disrupt the play and secure the catch. Coen remarked on Hunter’s fluidity and skill ‘pretty cool with the ball in his hands in space, isn't he?’. Backup quarterback Nick Mulen’s did not throw to Hunter on the defensive side of the ball. Liam Coen expressed considerable praise for Trevor Lawrence's performance, describing it as ‘awesome’.
The former No. 1 overall pick completed 19-of-27 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. Two of Lawrence’s touchdown passes were caught by second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr ., who accumulated six catches for 65 yards. Lawrence’s other touchdown pass was a 5-yarder to tight end Brenton Strange on third-and-goal with less than 10 seconds remaining in the scrimmage. His interception occurred on a throw into the back corner of the end zone to receiver Parker Washington, which was subsequently secured by cornerback Zechariah McPhearson after dropping off his receiver. Coen emphasized that the pass behind Hunter and the interception represented the only significant mistakes made during the session. He noted Hunter’s ‘sharp, fast decisions’ and the consistent pressure the opposing offense generated. Despite a few missed throws, Coen praised Hunter’s overall performance, stating that he ‘ran the show well.’
Ultimately, the scrimmage provided a valuable opportunity for Travis Hunter to demonstrate his two-way capabilities and contribute positively to the Jaguars’ training camp progress, setting the stage for continued development and increased involvement in team activities.