Bluebloods visit update with Florida 2025 four-star DE Javion Hilson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College coaches know about Javion Hilson’s abilities off the edge and against the run, but they may not know much about him getting into the flats as an outside linebacker. When the 2023 season gets going, the four-star has big, but attainable goals, and will show more to his game to help influence more than the 28 teams to already lay down offers.
If you missed seeing Cocoa High School (Fla.) in action last fall, No. 56 was terrorizing ball carriers and quarterbacks. Hilson (6-5, 230) tracked down 36 plays producing 9.5 sacks. The mission is set for the upcoming season.
“This has been on my mind all day,” Hilson said. “My goal is to be better than last year. I want 17 sacks this season. I want to be a leader in the state of Florida, get the most tackles on my team, and win defensive MVP.”
The Tigers have a plan for Hilson, “Cocoa, they have me dropping back into the flats some this year like an outside linebacker; that is how they see me at the next level in college.”
To achieve the goals, Hilson has been putting in the work.
“I have been working on my get-off, stopping the run, and my hands during drills,” Hilson stated. “I’ve also been working on my counter moves to have those in my bag on passing downs.”
College programs have put 28 next level opportunities in Hilson’s hands, two more could drop in the early part of the upcoming season.
“Florida, they were sending me a lot of invites for camps, but I couldn’t go, and Alabama; they’ve been showing interest too,” Hilson shared. “I went to an Alabama camp on June 18.”
Javion Hilson at Alabama.
Hilson fit right in while hanging with the Crimson Tide.
“It went well,” Hilson said. “I dominated at that camp. I showed my athleticism, my get-off, and my hands. I did awesome. Coach Nick Saban called me into his office after that camp. He said a guy like you would do well here, but we have to see your film first. I am waiting for that reach back.”
Hilson added, “If I dominated at an Alabama camp, I would dominate at the rest of the camps. There are dogs up there.”
Waiting on the offers from Florida and Alabama, a handful of squads are working to build a bond with the four-star.
“The teams reaching out the most are Florida State, UCF, Tennessee, LSU, Penn State, and Miami,” Hilson stated.
Some of those same teams got to tour Hilson around their facilities this summer.
“I visited UCF, Tennessee, Pitt, Florida State, Clemson, Alabama, and Ohio State,” Hilson shared.
The Knights left Hilson with positive vibes.
“It was awesome,” Hilson said. “Their defensive line coach, coach (Kenny) Martin, he really loves me. Their defensive staff loves me there. They are trying to get me. They were telling me that I would be a good fit in their scheme, and they said that I am their top ‘25 guy right now. They were telling me that they would love for me to be with them.”
In Tallahassee, Hilson got time in with head coach Mike Norvell and defensive ends coach John Papuchis.
“It was nice,” Hilson stated. “I toured the campus and met with coach Norvell; we had a good talk. He said you are a big-time recruit, and he said we want you back soon. Their defensive ends coach, coach JP, we went over my film from last year. He was going over how I can get better.”
The legacy and reputation of Larry Johnson in Columbus looms large for Hilson.
“It was nice,” Hilson said. “I loved it. Ohio State has a nice organization, and a big fan base. I went to their camp and dominated. While I was there, I talked to their players. They talked about how coach Larry Johnson (DL) is; he sends a lot of guys into the NFL. He sends guys like Chase Young (Commanders); he is someone I watch.
“I met with coach Larry Johnson; he was putting some new moves in my bag. He worked with me after the camp. Cedrick Hawkins, he is a former teammate of mine, he is up there. He set it up for me.”
In addition to the Alabama and Ohio State camps, Hilson also laid it on guys at UCF, Clemson, and Georgia. An update from Athens was given.
“It was nice,” Hilson shared. “Their tight ends coach, coach (Todd) Hartley, is a former player from Cocoa. I met him and talked to him. We had a nice talk. I dominated once again at that camp.”
The path forward for Hilson along the recruiting trail is still wide open, but he did share what is important to him as he scouts each program.
“A school that has my major, academics is important to me, a coaching staff that loves me and wants me there,” Hilson said. “I’m looking for a bond with the coaches, and a school that can develop me and push me to the next level. The defensive scheme is important too; definitely.”