The eyes of the college football recruiting world are on the Florida Gators when it comes to CJ Hester’s recruitment, but a return trip to Syracuse over the weekend provided a different orange and blue perspective.
The Cocoa (Fla.) High School star has frequented each campus, but his time in Central New York was highlighted by the personal interaction with head coach Fran Brown.
He said it was the best part of this official visit.
“My one on one meeting with Coach Fran was amazing,” Hester told Rivals. “Just talking about me getting on the field, building my brand, and making the right decision for myself. I feel like it’s real strong relationship, he’s very genuine.
“And at ‘Cuse, Coach Fran is the Corners coach and the head coach which is a plus when trying to get on the field and being developed.”
Official visits remain on the docket with Georgia and Iowa over the next two weekends for Hester. The last two trips, to UF and now SU, have set a high bar.
“Not really an order but ‘Cuse and Florida are standing out to me,” Hester said. “They are similar, they prioritize me very high.”
Another key point during Hester’s time with the ACC program came via the detail. The program offered a closer look at what an entire career with the Orange could look like.
“I learned about the type of agreement both parties makes for a scholarship,” he said. “Like basically explaining what they’re supposed to do for the next three to four years — like the day I get there until the day I graduate and life after football.”
As the trips stack up for one of Florida’s top uncommitted defensive back recruits, the decision-making plan remains centered on a commitment after all the trips are in the books.
Hester will come off the board on July 1.