Super Bowl Champion Gives Travis Hunter a Reality Check

Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter may be aiming to become the NFL’s version of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, but former defensive tackle Anthony “Booger” McFarland provided 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 he’s against it for a number of reasons. The two-time Super Bowl champion thinks the Colorado standout isn’t ready for the challenge of playing two full-time positions and that he may be underestimating how much talent there is in the NFL.

“I think it’s disrespectful to the level of play and professionalism that these guys bring to the field to think that Travis can come in and play receiver and corner.” McFarland said. “I’m sure he could do one of them as a minor, but I’m not sure he could do both.”

There’s no denying Hunter’s athletic ability and talent, and the fact that he excelled at two positions in college. Still, McFarland points out that dozens of players with the same makeup, like Champ Bailey and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, ultimately had to make a choice upon arriving in the NFL.

“No matter how good Dion was, his primary position was cornerback,” McFarland said. “He could dodge receivers a little bit and dodge them, but his best position was cornerback.”

It’s almost certain that Hunter will spend time on both sides of the NFL, but in July, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler reported that NFL talent evaluators are “divided” on whether he would be better suited as a full-time wideout or cornerback.

Ultimately, the team that drafts Hunter will decide which position he will focus on most.