Jaguars push Travis Hunter to defense in camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars sharply increased Travis Hunter’s defensive workload during Monday’s training camp practice in Jacksonville, Florida, a clear shift from how the club has used the versatile player earlier in the preseason. Coaches kept Hunter mostly in defensive drills during full-squad periods, and it marked the first time this preseason he operated on only one side of the ball in those team settings.

Head coach Liam Coen said the objective is to accelerate Hunter’s development by keeping him consistently tied to defensive teaching and on-field instruction. Coen framed the decision as a way to build continuity in how Hunter is coached within the defensive structure.

Why Jacksonville narrowed Hunter’s focus Coen said the

Why Jacksonville narrowed Hunter’s focus

Coen said the Jaguars are trying to reduce Coen said the Jaguars are trying to reduce the disruption that comes with Hunter moving between offensive and defensive units. He noted that switching sides can take away from position-meeting time and interrupt the sequencing of coaching points that players receive on the field. The Jaguars are using this week to assess roles and usage as they move toward their second preseason game on Friday. Coaches are testing how Hunter fits into the broader plan, including whether concentrating his work on one phase during certain practices improves readiness and execution. Defensive snaps rise, with limited offensive work Hunter took 20 defensive snaps on Monday, his largest total in a single practice so far, according to the team’s practice accounting. While defense was the priority, he still took part in a limited way during 7-on-7 offensive work. Team officials did not describe the approach as Team officials did not describe the approach as a permanent change. Instead, the day was presented as part of ongoing role evaluation, with the club aiming to keep Hunter connected to the offensive installation while placing the main emphasis on defense.

Campanile highlights coverage traits seen in camp

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile described Hunter as having “elite ball skills,” pointing to his ability to locate and track the football in the air. Campanile cited two interceptions Hunter has recorded during camp as examples of how those traits show up during competitive coverage periods. Coaches said the defense-heavy work is intended to Coaches said the defense-heavy work is intended to sharpen technique and decision-making within Jacksonville’s scheme. They are also continuing to measure how Hunter’s instincts and tools carry over against different route concepts and quarterback looks during practice.

Receiver role remains part of the preseason plan

Even after Monday’s defense-led session, the Jaguars indicated Hunter remains in the offensive picture as they settle personnel groupings and packages ahead of the season. At wide receiver, Hunter is sharing third-receiver duties with Brian Thomas Jr. as the team works through combinations and determines snap distribution and responsibilities.

With the second preseason game set for Friday, one open question is how quickly the Jaguars return Hunter to a more balanced, two-way workload in full-squad periods. Coaches also left open the possibility of additional targeted practice days that place his development on one side of the ball.