With training camp underway for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Travis Hunter is back on the practice field and continuing to play on both sides of the ball.
"It's been great to be back," Hunter said after Friday's practice.
A knee injury sidelined Hunter for the season after appearing in only seven games. Prior to the injury, it looked like Hunter was about to break out at wide receiver, recording a 100-yard game against the LA Rams.
Hunter did not participate in the on-field portion of OTAs or minicamp either, as he continued to rehab from the injury.
"It was a learning process," Hunter said. "I was able to get into the playbook for the second year on both sides of the ball. Learn it, understand it. Just not my job but everyone else's job so I can get comfortable
and just go out there and play fast when I touch the grass."
To stay sharp, Hunter spent a lot of time in the Jaguars' virtual room, getting mental reps at both wide receiver and cornerback.
"It's perfect for me," Hunter said.
He also spent a lot of time in the weight room, putting on 10 pounds of muscle. And despite being heavier, he feels lighter on his feet when on the field.
"I put on 10 pounds (of muscle)," said Hunter. "I was a small guy coming in. Everybody is like gain weight, gain weight. Coach is like, play at whatever weight you happy at. Just coming in and putting on those pounds, I was scared at first. I'm like, 'aw dang, I ain't ever played at this weight, I'm going to feel heavy and not be able to do what I do,' but training and being able to put those months not, on the grass but in the weight room just putting in that work it made me feel lighter on my feet when I finally touched the grass. So just happy to be at this weight and will continue to play at this weight."
Hunter was recorded running 22.6 mph, which very few players have accomplished in an NFL game. His next goal is to hit the 23 mph mark.
Hunter is expected to play a significant role at cornerback this season, while continuing to see snaps on offense. Through two practices, he's played 24 total snaps in 11-on-11 periods, with 16 coming on defense and eight on offense, according toMichael DiRocco.
"I definitely do feel free," said Hunter. "They let me go out there and do my thing. They give me coaching points and let me know if my technique falling off or if I need to up my technique, so I definitely feel free."
As Hunter reacclimates to being on the practice field after missing so much time, his biggest priority right now is knocking the rust off.
"Just get the rust off right now," said Hunter. "Just continue to click with the quarterbacks and click with the defense."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars Travis Hunter details his return to practice field
