Will 4-star DE commit Javion Hilson stick with the Florida State Seminoles?

Florida State football has already secured four prospects in their recruiting class for the 2025 cycle. The Seminoles are hosting several highly-touted recruits this weekend on campus.

While it is vital to obtain talented prospects to build their foundation for the future, it is equally important to hang on to the commitments in the class. I know that fans like to discuss about four-star quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida who has flirted with the arch-rival Florida Gators.

However, another prospect that I would like to address is four-star defensive end Javion Hilson from Cocoa High School in Cocoa, Florida. The Seminoles added the talented pass rusher after he de-committed from the Alabama Crimson Tide when legendary head football coach Nick Saban retired.

It does seem like the recruiting battle hasn't been won yet. Hilson is still hearing from schools like Texas, Alabama, UCF, and Miami. There was even a recent report that Hilson will be deciding between Texas and Florida State before shutting his recruitment down.

This is disappointing given that the defensive end is such a pivotal position. Seminole fans have had the luxury of elite play from players such as Jermaine Johnson II, Keir Thomas, Jared Verse, and Patrick Payton. They cannot afford to lose a top-100 prospect like Hilson.

Defensive ends coach John Papuchis will try to do everything in his power to put his recruiting hat on during the recruitment process. The four-star prospect will be on campus this weekend for an official visit.

Ultimately, I believe that Hilson will stick with his commitment to Florida State instead of him going to Texas. The track record of defensive ends speaks for itself. I realize that recruiting is ever-changing and teenagers are making one of the most important decisions in their lifetime.

During the 2023 season, Hilson recorded 97 tackles (27 for loss), 44 quarterback hurries, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. This is a prospect that the Seminoles cannot afford to miss on.