The Florida Gators have new faces coaching the defensive backs this year, and last weekend, several targets at the position were on campus for official visits.
Defensive back CJ Hester (6-1, 185, Cocoa, FL.) was on campus and had the chance to see everything and everyone around the program.
“It was good,” Hester said of his visit to Florida. “We went out together, took some photo shoots, went to the stadium, saw the academics, and hung out with the players after dinner. We got to meet with the nutrition people and the strength and conditioning coaches.”
A couple of things stood out to Hester during the visit, including his time spent with his player host, who discussed the program with him.
“Probably the positional meetings,” he said on his favorite part of the visit. “They broke down my strength and how I would fit into the defense. Also, spending time with Lagonza Heyward, he was telling me that they’re building something at Florida.”
Defensive backs coach Deron Wilson broke down with Hester what the Gators like about his game and how he fits into the program.
“He likes that I’m big and fast,” Hester said on Deron Wilson’s message to him. “He likes that I can track the ball and that I attack the ball. He likes that I can be a big outside corner for them.”
Head coach Billy Napier made sure to let Hester know that the Gators want him, and he was asking for feedback from the defensive back.
“That I’m a priority guy for them,” he said on his message from Napier. “He was asking me what it was going to take to get me here, and then he wanted to know the highlights of the visit. He wanted to know what I liked.”
Syracuse and UCLA will get Hester on campus next, but he says one team is leading the way heading into a decision next month.
“Florida is still on top,” Hester said of Florida. “They stayed where they’re at, they’re trending right now. I’m going to make a decision on July 1st.”