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Mississippi’s 325-Pound Star Competing With Travis Hunter For Title Of Combine’s Most Versatile Player

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The NFL Combine is officially underway as college prospects look to prove their worth to scouts at the next level. Of that bunch, there are a few players that will run drills at multiple positions.

Travis Hunter is the name at the top of the list when it comes to two-way stars, but he’s far from the only draftee with versatility. JJ Pegues of Ole Miss has gone viral this week as he shows off his athleticism in Indianapolis.

Pegues is one of the most interesting prospects in the draft class. The defensive lineman, who tipped the scales at 325 pounds during his senior year, was a force in the middle of the Rebels’ defensive line.

He racked up 42 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024, identical to his numbers from the 2023 campaign. He also tied for the team lead with 14 stops behind the line of scrimmage.

The production in Oxford provided him with a second-round NFL Draft grade, but defense wasn’t the only area he made an impact. The big man finished second on the team in rushing touchdowns. He carried the ball 26 times while also helping provide lanes for ball carriers in short-yardage situations as a fullback.

JJ Pegues originally signed with the Auburn Tigers out of high school as a tight end. He was rated a Top 10 player at his position before joining the roster.

In his lone offense-only season, he hauled in seven catches for 57 yards. He later made the switch to defense where he’s remained since 2021. The versatility has been noted by NFL scouts. He was invited to the Combine as both a defensive tackle and a fullback.

Pegues was spotted starting with some defensive drills on Thursday. He flashed some nimbleness and explosion on the field.

He then switched over to offense where he ran routes and hauled in a few passes. What can’t he do?

The lineman also ran his 40-yard dash, posting back-to-back sub-5.2 times. Pegues entered the Combine at 309 pounds. He shed some weight ahead of his NFL training. It appears to be paying off!

Pegues has already been in contact with a few professional teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest as they eye a potential successor to Cam Heyward.

Can JJ Pegues best Travis Hunter?

Hunter, interestingly enough, was assigned just one position at this year’s NFL Draft. With that being said, he fully intends to play as both a wide receiver and cornerback at the next level.

Different teams have different outlooks on the Heisman trophy winner. According to NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe, that versatility is already causing a divide!

The Tennessee Titans own the top pick. Should they choose to select the best overall player, Hunter could come off the board early. Management in Nashville views the two-way star as a DB. They prefer his defensive abilities above his offensive ceiling.

The Browns, however, like him as a pass catcher. They own the second pick. Hunter’s fate will ultimately lie in the hands of the team that drafts him.

He excelled at the college level while logging a ridiculous number of snaps. On offense, he led the Big 12 in catches and receiving touchdowns. On defense, he led the Colorado Buffaloes in interceptions.

Travis Hunter proved to be college football’s best player a year ago. His draft status will reflect that. He’s not the only one who can produce at multiple spots, though. JJ Pegues is doing what he can to boost his stock, too.