This season, talent knocks on the Jaguars’ doors with unique demands. “Never playing football again.” That was Travis Hunter‘s mindset if denied his shot to go both ways on offense and defense in the league. Confidence and an aura of hard work oozed off the Heisman Trophy-winning rookie. While HC Liam Coen initially slotted him on the offensive line unit, Hunter flipped the script just days into camp. “It evolved a little bit from the offseason program,” Coen admitted, hinting that the dual-role WR and CB plan is now active. That shift? Earned by Hunter’s relentlessly showing up and proving his $46.65 million rookie contract is worth every penny for the Jags.
The 22-year-old former Colorado standout has caught the attention of rival teams at an interview conducted after the Jaguars’ training camp. When asked to conduct a vibe check of the locker room and his connection with Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter spoke his mind clearly and loudly for everyone to see that the Jaguars mean business this season. “We put in the work behind the scenes, and we continue to work every day,” he said. He followed up with their chemistry. “No, we had a shoot together. So we just made up something on the spot.” That brotherly bond might be exactly what the Jaguars need to flip the script after one of Trevor Lawrence’s worst seasons.
Lawrence, who remains the cornerstone of the franchise despite last season’s 4-13 finish, clearly sees something special in Hunter. When asked about the rookie’s ability to play both wide receiver and cornerback, Lawrence told The Athletic, “He can handle it. That’s what’s unique and special about him.” There’s mutual respect between the two. And that trust could be dangerous for the rest of the AFC South. If they build rhythm early, defensive backs will have a hard time keeping up. This time, the locker room has its heads screwed on right.
For Hunter, team chemistry comes before stat sheets. He believes that understanding teammates off the field is key to executing on it. “Super important,” Hunter said when asked about locker room culture. “Like I said, it’s a lot of people that you can’t talk any type of way to. So you just got to fill each other out.” That level of emotional intelligence is rare for a rookie. And if it plays out to its full potential on the field, it will be nightmare fuel for all the other NFL franchises.
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Of course, belief needs backup. Lawrence’s season was riddled with setbacks, including a shoulder injury against the Eagles and a concussion when he returned a couple weeks later. Still, Hunter is all-in on his quarterback. “He’s a ballplayer. He loved the game, and he’s fast.” That’s the kind of praise coaches want to hear in July. Liam Coen has the task of building his offense around Lawrence. But the success of it depends on a variety of factors.
Liam Coen to push success on Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence is heading into a critical season with the Jaguars. He is coming off the worst statistical year of his career. He threw for just 2,045 yards and 11 touchdowns. His QBR dropped to 59.5. That drop-off has raised eyebrows across the league. The challenge only intensifies as he now has to adjust to a new head coach. Liam Coen becomes the third coach Lawrence will work with in just five seasons.
Lawrence is situationally aware of this challenge and addressed it during his recent media appearance at training camp. “It’s been on since post-surgery – getting back healthy and learning the new system,” he admitted. Coen, too, has acknowledged the steep learning curve but applauded Lawrence’s commitment to the grind.
There is no room for excuses. Lawrence already inked a five-year extension worth $275 million. That deal runs through 2031. The franchise has placed its long-term hopes on him. Coen needs him to take full control of the offense. That is how Coen helped Baker Mayfield find a second wind in Tampa Bay. The same formula is being applied in Jacksonville.
“I’ve been very pleased with his dedication to the process,” Coen told Action News Jax. “There’s a lot of new for Trevor going on right now.” Coen has not left him stranded. He brought in reinforcements. Safety Eric Murray adds leadership. Offensive linemen Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey offer protection. But those additions only matter if Lawrence becomes the spark plug as positive updates come out from training camp.
One of Coen’s early lessons has centered on eye manipulation. Lawrence must learn how to shift playbooks with his vision.
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