Colorado two-way phenom Travis Hunter may have his eyes on being the NFL’s version of MLB star Shohei Ohtani. However, former defensive tackle Anthony “Booger” McFarland offered a reality check for the Heisman Trophy candidate.
Appearing on Friday’s episode of “The Dan Patrick Show,” McFarland said Hunter could play both WR and CB at the next level but advised against it for several reasons. The two-time Super Bowl champion believes the Colorado standout isn’t ready for the challenge of playing both ways full-time and might be underestimating how talented players are in the NFL.
“I just think it’s disrespectful to the level of athlete and professionalism that these guys show on the field to think that Travis can come in and major at receiver and corner,” McFarland said. “Can he minor at one of them, sure, but I don’t think he’s going to be able to do both.”
There’s no denying Hunter’s athleticism and talent, nor the fact that he’s excelled at two positions in college. Nevertheless, McFarland pointed out that dozens of players with the same makeup eventually had to choose once they arrived in the NFL, like Champ Bailey and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.
“As great as Deion was, his primary position was cornerback,” McFarland said. “He dibbled and dabbled at receiver a little, but his greatest position was cornerback.”
It’s all but certain that Hunter will see time on both sides of the ball in the NFL. However, in July, Dane Brugler of The Athletic indicated that NFL talent evaluators are “split” on whether he’s better suited to play wideout or cornerback full-time.
Ultimately, the team that drafts Hunter will decide which position he’ll focus on most.