Jacksonville Jaguars Must Talk to Coach Prime Over Travis Hunter

Jacksonville Jaguars are under fire for not consulting Deion Sanders, aka Coach Prime, about how to use two‑way rookie Travis Hunter, a move that could shape their 12‑5 AFC South record and current W1 streak.

Why are the Jaguars being criticized?

Former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Sr. argued on the Say What Needs To Be Said podcast that Jacksonville traded up for Hunter to run both offense and defense, yet the organization has largely sidelined him on the defensive side. Samuel noted the Jaguars gave Hunter only 162 defensive snaps last season compared with 324 on offense, a stark contrast to his college workload. He said the least head coach Liam Coen can do is call Coach Prime, the man who molded Hunter into a two‑way weapon at Colorado.

What does Coach Prime say?

Deion Sanders has repeatedly insisted Hunter belongs on both sides of the ball. In a June interview with D.J. Saddiqi of Covers.com, Sanders said, “They’re not going to ask me… the kid won the Heisman Trophy playing both sides of the ball.” Sanders claims the Jaguars never reached out, despite his direct involvement in Hunter’s development. His lack of response fuels the narrative that Jacksonville is ignoring the very source of Hunter’s dual‑position success.

How did Hunter perform in college?

At Colorado, Hunter posted 153 catches for 20 touchdowns and 1,979 yards while also logging 66 tackles, seven interceptions, and 16 pass break‑ups over two seasons. He handled a staggering 2,625 snaps, leading the FBS in total snap counts both years. Those numbers illustrate why Jacksonville invested a second‑overall pick, expecting a player who could tilt games from either end of the field.

What are the Jaguars doing now?

After an LCL tear ended Hunter’s 2025 rookie campaign after seven games, general manager James Gladstone promised more defensive snaps this year. The team’s cautious approach this preseason reflects concerns about re‑injuring the young corner. Yet the criticism remains: trading up for a two‑way star and then not consulting the coach who created that talent may cost Jacksonville the edge they need to stay competitive.

What could happen if the Jaguars ignore the advice?

Samuel warned that limiting Hunter to a single role could “rip a player apart” mentally, as expectations shift and the athlete feels abandoned. With the Jaguars sitting sixth in the AFC, 12‑5, and riding a one‑game winning streak, the pressure to maximize every roster asset is mounting. A conversation with Coach Prime could provide a system that lets Hunter thrive without overloading him, potentially preserving the team’s momentum heading into the next game against the Cleveland Browns on 2026‑09‑13.

Will the Jaguars make the call?

The question hangs over training camp. If Liam Coen picks up the phone, the Jaguars might unlock the two‑way potential that justified their draft gamble. If not, they risk sidelining a unique talent while rivals exploit the gap. The next few weeks will reveal whether Jacksonville chooses to lean into Coach Prime’s expertise or continue down a cautious path.