FSU football: 2022 legacy defensive end Aaron Hester commits to Noles

FSU football coaches are putting in work for the 2022 recruiting cycle, in what could be a class full of difference-makers if all things fall into place.

The Noles are in the mix for several 2022 legacy recruits, and almost all of them are in positions of need.

The first of those legacy recruits to commit to the Noles took place Thursday when three-star defensive end Aaron Hester verbally committed to the Noles.

He announced the decision via his Twitter account:

Hester announced three weeks ago he planned to announce his decision on his birthday(today). At the time he had 15 offers but gathered offers from Maryland, Michigan, and Penn State. However, in the end, it was the allure of wearing the garnet and gold like his father, Ron Hester, that won out.

Hester hails from Duval County and is considered the No. 397 player overall and No. 25 weakside defensive end. Hester is the No. 52 player overall in the state of Florida.

Hester checks in at 6’2″ and 221 pounds and was first offered by the Noles on June 5, 2020. Hester is the first domino to fall in a class of legacy recruits like Marvin Jones Jr. and Julian Armella.

The commitment gives the Noles four in the 2022 class with three of them on the defensive side of the ball. FSU football has lacked a pass rush since Brian Burns left after his junior season to be an NFL first-round draft pick.

Hester is the second pass rusher in the class alongside commit Nyjalik Kelly.

Hester is also an in-state playerc, which is great and should help dispel the narrative of FSU not wanting players from the Sunshine State.

FSU football looks to be in good shape with four-star QB Nicco Marchiol, who’s supposed to announce his decision soon. If so, the coaching staff will be off to an outstanding start in the 2022 recruiting cycle.