Interview: Going In-Depth with 4-Star 2020 Oklahoma WR Javian Hester
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After a breakout sophomore season, fans of Booker T. Washington High School want to know what Javian Hester will do next. In 2017, he was seemingly unstoppable on offense pulling in 38 passes for 705 yards with six trips into the end zone lining up on the outside. Doubling at safety, the 6-3, 175-pound, rising star put an end to 23 plays with two tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and came away with four picks leading to an Oklahoma 6A state title (12-1). The stellar play on the field has caught big Power Five Conference recruiting attention with offers extended from Arkansas, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa State… with even more national interest building from the ACC and SEC.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the best talents in Oklahoma’s 2019 recruiting class getting the insight on his big sophomore campaign with an overview on his recruiting process.
Interview
Javian, you put up a fantastic all-around stat line in 2017. Entering your sophomore year, did you know that you would be counted on as much as you were on both sides of the ball?
“Yes. Definitely. Before season started, my coach told me I would be a big factor playing both ways.”
How did the championship run last season help mold you into an even better player?
“It showed me that I can really do it. I just need to keep working hard and believe in myself and I can be as good as I want to be.”
Which game was your best last season?
“The state game (Bixby).”
What did you do well in championship game?
“I started off with a 60-yard touchdown reception. I had two touchdowns, 165 yards receiving, and the game winning pick.”
That sounds like a best game for anyone, and on the biggest stage. Was there a challenge for you on the field at the beginning of the season but by the end you had overcome it with all the hard work put into your skillset?
“Recognizing the defense and finding holes and windows in the defense to get open. Not every route is supposed to be ran the way it was designed depending on the defense. I got better at finding spots in the defense as the season went along.”
Are we going to see more of you on defense during your junior year?
“Yes. I am starting both ways.”
Are they moving you around on defense or are you staying at safety?
“Yes. I am starting at safety, same as last year.”
What are you working on this offseason as a receiver?
“I am working on getting my footwork down and working on my hands – I want to be the best I can be. I am working on my route running; I want to perfect that as well.”
I saw you in Dallas at the Nike camp. It looked like you did well, but in your own words, how did the Nike Regional go for you?
“It was great. The only bad thing, it was hot. But, I loved the experience and the drills they showed us. I can do all those things at home. Competing against all the other good athletes, it was great.”
How did you showcase your talent at the camp against some of the best defensive backs in the country?
“I showcased my talents by using my hands, using my head to get the defender to go the other way, and by using my length.”
Have you been to any other camps this offseason?
“Yes. About a month ago I went to the Under Armour camp.”
Did that go well for you?
“Yes. It could have gone better. It was cold and I was coming off a 7v7 tournament. But, it was a lot of fun.”
You’re blowing up on the recruiting trail. Which schools are showing interest?
“Clemson contacted me today (Thursday), Iowa State is showing a lot of interest, Ole Miss, and Florida State.”
*Iowa State offered shortly after the interview
Which schools have dropped offers?
“Arkansas, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Nebraska have offered me.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I have visited Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Nebraska.”
Last question; back to football. The Hornets open the 2018 season with a big game against North Little Rock in Arkansas. Knowing that they were state champs last season and the No. 7 end of season ranked team in the country by MaxPreps, does that add some more motivation to your team’s offseason workouts?
“I’m hoping so. We try to treat every game with a NFL mentality, we will treat it like another game.”
Javian, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Javian Hester
All good until they all figure out that he is slow, slow, slow.
Try to find a 40 time on this kid. Need to dig deep to find one. Too much hype here.
Thanks for reading!
Give Javian sometime to further develop, he’s still just a sophomore with a lot of great potential. From talking to him, he seems like a very driven individual; I think he will put the work into his game to improve every facet of his game.
Who pays you to promote these kids??? The parents? Agents? Coaches? Look up his Dallas Nike Combine numbers. I’ve seen better from middle school kids.
It is cowardice to hide behind “Mr. Football” and then pick on a kid. A lot of very talented kids do not test well at the Nike combines for various reasons including not being accustomed to the technique needed to post a good time; that comes with training, plus that is laser timed not hand-held which is typically a faster time. Hester had a very good all-around sophomore season, with two years left to build up his overall game. Pulling in 38 passes for 705 yards with six touchdowns and coming up with 23 tackles and four picks does not happen by accident. I stand behind my words and Hester being a very talented high school football player.