4-star CB CJ Hester commits to Florida: ‘Everybody showed me love every time I went there’

Cocoa (Fla.) four-star cornerback CJ Hester took an official visit to Florida from May 30-June 1. It was the second of his five officials, as he previously went to Auburn and also visited Syracuse, Georgia and Iowa following his time in Gainesville. 

The Hawkeyes really impressed Hester. But they finished second for the 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back, as Hester has committed to the Gators and is the newest blue-chip pledge for head coach Billy Napier and his staff. 

“I really like how everybody showed me love every time I went there,” Hester told Rivals. “It never changed once. I like how I fit in the defense and the competitive environment there.”

After finishing his official visits, Hester felt like Florida “was the place” for him. The SEC program offered him in September and since then, Napier and Co. have recruited him heavily and stayed in “constant contact” with him. 

Hester and Wilson have developed a strong relationship

Defensive backs coach Deron Wilson played a key role in Hester’s decision. The four-star shared that Wilson – who joined the Gators’ staff in February – helped Florida jump to the top of his list in early May. 

“They took the lead after… coach Deron Wilson came in,” Hester said. “He tried to make up for lost time. I have a good relationship with him and I talk to him almost every day.” 

Wilson’s “best” relationship in Gainesville is with Wilson and he is impressed by Napier as well. In the coming months, the Sunshine State native “can’t wait to watch the season” and see how Florida plays. 

“I like how he is very genuine,” Hester said about Wilson. “I like the type of father figure he is and the type of person he is. Also, he’s the type of coach that wants to help you fix your mistakes and challenge you to be the best.” 

“Coach Napier is a great person and he is very genuine,” he added. “I like how he really believes in his players and wants the very best for them. I also like how he challenges you to be the best player and young man you can possibly be.”