Heisman Winners Ricky Williams and Johnny Manziel Weigh In on Whether Travis Hunter Can Play Both Ways in the NFL

Travis Hunter won almost all personal accolades this past season, becoming only the second two-way player in college football history to win the Heisman Award. Now, as he awaits the NFL draft, teams and fans ponder if Hunter could play both as a wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. Former Heisman trophy winners, Ricky Williams and Johnny Manziel, felt playing both ways would take a toll on the player’s body, though they added that Travis could excel in certain situations.

“I think he’s shown he can play both at a high level and that he has the physical endurance,” Williams, the 1998 Heisman winner, said.

“A lot of wear and tear on the body, especially at the next level. I imagine that he splits time playing a little bit of  both. A nickel defensive back in the NFL is so valuable, and I think he can play that position extremely well.”

A nickel defensive back is one of the most coveted defensive positions in the game today. Trent McDuffie for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kyler Gordon for the Chicago Bears, and Taron Johnson for the Buffalo Bills have all been key nickel DBs for years.

It’s also one of the hardest positions to play because it requires covering slot receivers, who are often the fastest and most agile on the field. And Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner, thinks the position will be tough for Hunter to grasp.

“I think it’ll be really tough, it’ll be situational, and it all depends on what kind of coach you get who’s willing to work with your talent,” Manziel explained.

“Being at the next level in the league, getting to those meetings, seeing both sides of the ball. If there’s anyone that can do it, it’s probably him. But like you said, it comes down to your body, allowing you to be able to.”

In college, it’s more feasible to be a two-way player because the skill gap is much larger. Charles Woodson, who played both ways for Michigan and won the Heisman in 1997, had focused on playing as a cornerback throughout his decorated pro career.

In the NFL, Hunter is going to be facing the best WRs and CBs every week. Just producing good numbers at one position would be great if he can stay healthy enough to do it.

Williams voted for Ashton Jeanty, not Hunter

The intriguing part of the exchange between Williams and Manziel was that Williams claimed Hunter could play both ways in the NFL, even though he had voted for Ashton Jeanty in the Heisman race.

In fact both had picked Jeanty, with Williams revealing that he had a bit of “running back bias” toward the Boise State star.

“He reminds me of myself,” Williams told Manziel about Jeanty.

Hunter ultimately took home the award, but in one of the closest races we’ve ever seen. Jeanty garnered 2,017 votes to Hunter’s 2,231. While some may view it as controversial and may not agree with the selection, the close competition is good for the sport, according to Williams.

While NFL indeed is a different proposition, Hunter has shown us so far that he loves disproving whatever notions people have of him. Whether he ends up playing both ways or not, one thing is guaranteed: his talent and drive will see him make a mark.