Alabama visits Florida State 4-star EDGE commit Javion Hilson
Cocoa (Fla.) four-star EDGE Javion Hilson was among the group of prospects that decommitted from Alabama in January upon the stunning retirement of head coach Nick Saban.
Unlike others that backed off their Bama pledge, Hilson already had another home in mind, as he announced he was flipping to Florida State on Jan. 16, rather than simply reopening his recruitment.
“I like the atmosphere and the fan base. My dad is a big Florida State fan and I grew up watching them and it’s close to home,” Hilson told On3 upon flipping his commitment. “I am a Florida boy and they’ve been recruiting me the heaviest ever since I committed to Alabama. Also, I can fit the best in their defense 4-2-5 as a true defensive end.”
Hilson remains committed to FSU, but things are still open for the 6-foot-3.5, 225-pounder. He continues to consider Alabama, was in Tuscaloosa in March and will take an official visit in June. On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and DL coach Freddie Roach made their way to Cocoa High to visit the former Tide pledge.
“I’m still feeling the same about Florida State, but my recruitment is still open,” Hilson told On3 last month. “I love the culture and the coaching staff at Florida and the defensive scheme they run is big for me. I am still committed, but I am looking for forward to visiting other schools.”
Up next for the elite EDGE are four official visits, beginning with a trip to Florida on May 31. Bama (June 7), UCF (June 14) and FSU (June 21) are set to follow. The Seminoles also checked up on their top commitment this cycle on Tuesday.
Hilson is the No. 41 overall prospect and No. 3 EDGE in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 5 player in Florida.
Alabama Class Breakdown
The Crimson Tide currently hold 10 commitments in the 2025 class and rank No. 7 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. The class is led by Eastman (Ga.) Dodge County four-star athlete Darrell Johnson, who committed to the Tide in March.
“I feel like Bama is going to win right away,” Johnson told On3. “They’re not going to take a year off. I liked how they were being coached up and how they were learning the scheme. They have two linebackers leaving, so if I come in mid-year, I can learn the playbook and get in there fast.”
Alabama commits Selma (Ala.) Southside four-star athlete Derick Smith and Montgomery (Ala.) Carver four-star running back Anthony Rogers both rank inside the top 110.
Saraland (Ala.) four-star defensive lineman Antonio Coleman flipped from Alabama to Auburn in December before returning his allegiances to Tuscaloosa in early March. Denton (Md.) North Caroline four-star athlete Zymear Smith and Los Angeles Mater Dei four-star linebacker Abduall Sanders joined Johnson, Derick Smith and Coleman in a very busy March for Bama recruiting.
Alabama picked up Millville (N.J.) speedster receiver Lotzeir Brooks and Rome (Ga.) top-150 linebacker Jaedon Harmon in April.