Travis Hunter had a blast at Colorado’s Pro Day, putting on a show along with Shedeur Sanders that everyone had been waiting for. After all, both had skipped workouts at the NFL Combine and the Big 12 Pro Day.
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The quarterback showcased his accuracy and ability to throw crisp, clean passes, while Hunter displayed his agility and soft hands at the receiver position. He was in exemplary form, running routes and catching passes from Sanders.
However, the Heisman winner didn’t wear gloves while catching the pigskin, which caught the attention of former NFL safety Ryan Clark. But not for the reason one might expect.
Clark was particularly impressed with Hunter’s “stick ems”. He even tweeted that it was the most impressive thing he saw that day. However, the showcase also led him to believe that Hunter might be even better suited for playing defense.
Why? Clark believes that with just “75 catches”, one can become a good receiver. But “7 interceptions” can make that same player a First-Team All-Pro. And since Hunter can catch the ball so easily — even without gloves — Clark believes it’s the Colorado star’s golden opportunity to make a name for himself at corner.
“I’m a weirdo, but I think it’s a huge deal that Travis Hunter didn’t catch with gloves at pro day without. Showed how sticky his hands are. No better tracker of the ball, or ball skills in this draft…” Clark tweeted.
“Which is why DB should be his primary position! Bet you didn’t think it was going there. 75 catches and you’re a good Wideout. 7 interceptions make you 1st team all pro at corner,” he added.
The issue with Clark’s argument is that it implies Hunter would want the easiest route to success. But the two-way star likely won’t think that way. He seems like the type who wants to be great, regardless of how tough the path might be.
The former NFL safety is right in saying, “75 catches and you’re a good Wideout.” So maybe Hunter will earn that label, while also recording seven or more INTs to land First-Team All-Pro nods.
A wideout would need to average just four and a half catches per game to reach 75 during a 17-game season. Given how frequently receivers catch the ball, that’s not a difficult mark to hit. However, we’re not quite sure about the interception target.
While a few cornerbacks last year posted high interception totals, seven remains a lofty achievement—only two defensive players (Kevin Joseph and Xavier McKinney) reached that mark.
In 2023, too, only two defensive players hit the 7+ INT mark — DaRon Bland (9) and Xavier Watts (7). While three players reached that number in 2022, it was back to just two again in 2021. Maybe, just maybe, Hunter ends up breaking that mold.
Clark, with his take, comes across as yet another pundit who thinks he knows what’s best for Hunter. They’ve been stacking up over the past months.
Through it all, the Colorado star has remained adamant that he wants to give both positions a shot. But fans and analysts continue to spread doubt, which will make it all the more interesting when he finally gives it a go.
