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CJ Hester is a four-star defensive back from Cocoa, who had Florida leading through much of the process before committing to the Gators back in the summer.
Hester later signed with Florida earlier this month.
Learn more about his recruiting process, his role as a football player, and his personal life in this edition of Getting to Know.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
Take us through the process that led to your commitment. What was that experience like for you?
“It was a great experience, once I actually committed it was June 1st, I loved the place and the environment, coaches and the people, and I felt like that was home! Going through the tunnel and the field and the facility made me want to be there.”
Which school came in second for you and why?
“Iowa, I have been there; the people, the staff, and the culture were amazing.”
What inspired you to start playing football?
“I was born into it, since four years old playing flag football, then going to juniors, junior rookies to high school.”
Is there one thing you would change about the recruiting process?
“I would not change anything; let it be all in God’s hands.”
If you could play a sport outside of football, which sport would it be?
“Basketball, Track and Field.”
What events would you participate in in Track and Field?
“100m, high jump, long jump, and javelin throw.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“Little league, I was on the one-yard line. I tried to QB sneak up the middle and ran 99 yards, and I scored. I was tired, and I fell out in the endzone after I scored.”
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
“My determination, and willingness to learn and be better, and also my mindset to be the best, be a high achiever and be a team player. And, also be involved on and off the field in academics.”
What is the most appealing part to you about the University of Florida?
“The people, because that’s what got me here, are very family-oriented.”
What do you really need to work on the most when you get to Florida?
“I feel like not just me, but everybody should stay focused and stick to the schedule and worry about the main things, not try to put things off, stay on time, and stick to the schedule.”
Who have you spoken to the most from your recruiting class?
“We are all in a group chat, we all talk to each other and keep in contact.”
Who have you spoken with the most who are already on the team?
“Devin Moore, even though he is graduating and most likely entering the draft, is a great resource.”
Who are you looking most forward to either playing with or maybe going against in practice?
“I really want to play with everyone at a fast level.”
PERSONAL
What will be your major?
“Business.”
What would be your first purchase if you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?
“It’s hard to decide, but an apartment, Insurance and a financial advisor.”
What is one item that you cannot live without?
“My Bible.”
What is your favorite professional football team?
“Kansas City Chiefs, because of Jamaal Charles and Alex Smith.”
Who is your favorite player of all time?
“Walter Payton.”
Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life, and why?
“My dad, because he is always there and tries to make all the games and leads me down the right path throughout my journey.”
You’re given the AUX chord for the locker room before a practice or big game, what is the go-to song you’re playing?
“The Ray Lewis Intro in the 2013 Madden.”
Do you play video games? If so, which ones?
“I don’t anymore because I was extremely addicted.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Black Panther and Any Given Sunday.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“Friday Night Tykes.”
What is your favorite flavor of Gatorade?
“I like them all, but probably the Glacier one.”
What wild animal/insect would you be, and why?
“I would be a gator.”
What are you looking forward to in college outside of football?
“Better grades and the academic part, and meeting more people.”
What do you want people to think when they hear the name CJ Hester five years from now?
“A God-fearing man, who loves football, a respectful young man always wants to chase his dreams.”
What advice do you have for young players dreaming of going to college?
“Always believe in God, put him first and the journeys he has for you and put him first and put him in the center of your life.”
What is your favorite quality in a teammate?
“Be competitive. They have to have a lot of confidence in themselves and be a team player, love to win, and also like to compete.”
What is your favorite meal to cook?
“I like breakfast, so a waffle, bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with a bagel. If not, I would do a seafood boil.”
If you could have dinner with three people from any point in history, who would they be, and why?
“Jesus. LeBron James and Deion Sanders because they are the GOATs.”
What are three things on your bucket list?
-Getting all A’s
-Starting in games
-Understanding the plays
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