​Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead believes Travis Hunter is primed to take a significant step forward in his second NFL season. Hunter’s rookie year was abruptly cut short by a knee injury, but Armstead could already sense the potential impact Hunter could have on both sides of the ball. “He’s probably the most naturally talented athlete, just pure athlete, that I’ve been around,” Armstead said, noting that he’s never encountered a player with Hunter’s athleticism. He added that what Hunter accomplished before the injury, including his final game in which he surpassed 100 receiving yards, was outstanding and beneficial for the sport. Hunter, Armstead observed, is a game changer who brings substantial value to both offense and defense. Like all rookies, he would encounter ups and downs, but Armstead believed Hunter was beginning to hit his stride before the injury and, heading into the offseason, was healing exceptionally well.
For the coming season, the expectation is that Hunter will receive more defensive playing time as he lines up opposite Montaric Brown. However, Jaguars coach James Gladstone and offensive coordinator Liam Coen have reiterated that Hunter will continue to contribute on both sides of the ball. Although Hunter has spent time rehabilitating from last year’s knee injury, maintaining consistency within the same offensive and defensive systems could be crucial to his Year 2 progression. Armstead commented, “I’m excited to see, as he gets back healthy, gets back into the fold, and hopefully is able to join us here soon back on the field, what he’s able to accomplish in Year 2.” He noted that, like many players, Hunter will experience a slowing down process as he adjusts, and with a year of experience in the same system and under the same coaches, Hunter should better understand the demands placed on him. Armstead projected that Year 2 would bring a substantial leap for Hunter, enabling him to contribute to the team in a variety of ways.
To keep Hunter sharp during the offseason while he couldn’t practice on the field, he stayed engaged through the Jaguars’ virtual room, in addition to team meetings. This routine allowed him to receive mental reps from the perspectives of wide receivers and defensive backs, helping him stay connected to the playbook and game plans. In April, Jaguars GM James Gladstone indicated that Hunter’s plan was to be at “full tick” by training camp, ensuring he would be ready to contribute at a high level when the season began.
This report, which first appeared on Jaguars Wire, frames Armstead’s optimism about Travis Hunter’s trajectory as he moves into his second season, emphasizing the potential for him to enhance the Jaguars’ defense and offense as he refines his craft and gains confidence in a stable, familiar system.