If Travis Hunter becomes two-way star, he must bond with Jaguars' Grant Udinski first

Yahoo

29-05-2025

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has to use the most of his time with Travis Hunter.
The two-way player has yet to get reps on the defensive side of the ball during practice open to media, but he's already in defensive meetings and in the classroom with his defensive coaches.
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As other offensive players are solely focusing on learning one playbook, Hunter is diving into two — a challenge Udinski says the No. 2 overall pick is fully prepared to conquer.
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'He's the type of guy that because of that passion and the love of the game, who's up for the challenge and can do it,' the first-year coordinator said at the conclusion of the first organized team practice for Jacksonville.
'It's definitely different compared to the rest of the guys and his schedule. It's a unique skill set, unique person and a unique player.'
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) talks to members of the media during a rookie minicamp at Miller Electric Center Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The first thing Udinski said about working with Hunter is how much fun it is getting to know him. The Jaguars had minimal contact with their draft picks prior to the selecting them.
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Whereas in some organizations large contingents are sent out to vet prospects, Jacksonville opted for a more lowkey approach to the draft process.
They kept their desire to draft Hunter under wraps, with even Hunter admitting he didn't have a clue they were interested until the night before the draft took place.
That means it's a feeling out process taking place as coaches and players get used to each other.
But that process has been smooth because of Hunter's personality.
"I'm sure you guys see it, him out here, the dancing at practice. The fun, the love of the game,' Udinski said.
According to him, the same energy he shows on the grass he translates to meetings and in the classroom.
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'It makes our job a lot of fun to get out here on the grass with those guys,' he continued. 'Whether it's on the grass or in the meeting room, it's that same energy and passion for the game or passion for being around their teammates that they bring every day.'
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Travis Hunter playing both ways will be unique challenge
Hunter is doing something not many, if any, active NFL players are doing: Regularly attending meetings with offensive and defensive players.
This means he has double the workload of an average player. It also means he gets half the time to spend with each position.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) can't haul in a reception during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
It's a challenge Udinski is embracing, though.
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'You're definitely going for maximum efficiency,' he said. 'You're trying to optimize the time, so it's different. It's a unique challenge, but it's a fun challenge, it's an exciting challenge.'
Hunter found success at every level he's competed at. In high school he was rated as the top player in his class as a two-way player.
In college, he won the Heisman as the top rated player in college football as a two-way player.
Now, he's hoping to achieve the same level of success in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Travis Hunter mission right now: Master Jacksonville Jaguars offense