Rookie Travis Hunter Shines in Jaguars' Preseason Opener Against Steelers

Rookie Travis Hunter Shines in Jaguars' Preseason Opener Against Steelers

The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off their preseason on a high note against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Saturday, with rookie Travis Hunter making his much-anticipated NFL debut. The excitement was palpable, as Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the second overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, stepped onto the field. Despite expressing mixed feelings about his performance, saying he felt „great“ but a bit nervous, Hunter successfully caught two passes and logged 18 snaps across offense and defense during the game, as reported by SI.com.

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen shared his thoughts on Hunter’s outing, commending his solid catches on option routes while also noting a missed tackle on defense. “We’ll review the tape for a full assessment,” Coen remarked, alluding to Hunter’s potential to improve further. The rookie expressed that he typically feels anxious before games but was able to shake off the jitters after his first catch. Hunter’s energy and skill set him up for success as he looks forward to another chance to shine next Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Game Highlights

Travis Hunter stood out not just as a rookie but as a key player in the Jaguars’ offensive strategy. Listed as a starting wide receiver on the unofficial depth chart, he opened the game with the starting offense, quickly becoming a favorite target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. During the first scoring drive, Hunter snagged two catches from three targets, with his initial reception gaining three yards and his second, though negated by penalties, contributing to a 41-yard field goal setup. As per CBS Sports, Hunter made a seamless transition, returning later as a second-team cornerback for five snaps.

After his offensive debut, Hunter faced a rookie running back, Kaleb Johnson, where a missed tackle highlighted one of the challenges he encountered on defense. Overall, the snap count revealed his versatility, with 11 snaps on offense and 5 on defense, indicating that the Jaguars are keen on utilizing Hunter’s talents in multiple positions. The head coach’s plans to develop Hunter in both roles are promising, especially since his athletic prowess might make him a star on offense quicker than some expect.

Context of the Rookie Showcase

The weekend wasn’t just notable for Hunter alone; it witnessed a plethora of rookie debuts across the NFL. Among them, Shedeur Sanders, quarterback for the Browns, and Jaxson Dart, quarterback for the Giants, also made headlines, showcasing solid performances that could set the tone for their respective seasons. Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes and rushed for more than a few yards, while Dart similarly dazzled in his own right. As highlighted by Sporting News, the stage was set for rookies to shine, with each player eager to cement their place on the roster.

As the Jaguars gear up for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Travis Hunter. Can he shake off the rookie nerves? Will his strong showing on offense carry over into the next game? As he and the team prepare, there’s an electric buzz around the possibility of what Hunter can bring to the Jaguars‘ lineup this season. The anticipation is building, and fans can’t help but feel hopeful about what’s to come.