How Does The Addition of Destyn Hill Impact Florida State's Wide Receiver Room?
Florida State is returning two wide receivers that are coming off seasons where they each averaged over 20 yards per catch. There's a lot of excitement in a position group that is set to field players such as Johnny Wilson, Kentron Poitier, Ja'Khi Douglas, Winston Wright, Darion Williamson, Deuce Spann, Hykeem Williams, and Vandrevius Jacobs.
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However, the Seminoles are bringing in at least one more weapon. Destyn Hill is set to join the room after the program announced his addition on Friday as well as previously being listed in the university's student directory. This is a positive conclusion to a situation that has drummed up a ton of attention over the last two years.
There hasn't been a ton of clarity on the hurdles that kept Hill away from Tallahassee since he signed his letter of intent in February of 2021. Florida State released a statement that summer which expressed that the program hoped he would arrive in the future: “Destyn Hill’s enrollment is delayed due to a personal matter. With respect to his family’s privacy, we are looking forward to him joining our program in the future.”
Clearly, there are already some outward expectations on Hill's shoulders as fans have been anticipating his arrival for quite some time. As it stands, we have no idea what kind of shape he's in and how much he's been training leading up to enrolling at Florida State. There is going to be a curve as he transitions to the college level. Hill will be putting on pads for the first time in roughly 20 months by the time August rolls around.
At the same time, there was a ton to like about the skillset that he presented during his prep career. A productive deep threat as an outside wide receiver, Hill ended up winning multiple state championships at Edna Karr High School. During his junior season, he caught 54 passes for 1,047 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hill followed that up with 33 catches for 806 yards and 15 touchdowns during his final season of high school.
Math isn't my strong suit but that averages out to 24.4 yards per catch for Hill in 2020. He also scored a touchdown on nearly half of his receptions. His tape is fun to watch as he constantly burns opposing defenders down the sideline. He's a magician at working his way out of man coverage and turning in a highlight reel play.
While it's been two years, head coach Mike Norvell broke down Hill's game back when he originally signed with the program. He's got the qualities to develop into a standout.
“He’s a deep-play threat, he’s a great route runner. And he’s very smooth in all of his actions. Has wonderful hands. And when he gets the ball in his hands. He can definitely do great things with it in yards after the catch. A tough, physical receiver. And a very selfless teammate,” Norvell said in 2021. “You see the work he does when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands and the willingness to block, the willingness to do some of the dirty work. And will also bring a great dynamic to our special teams units as a kick returner."
As Norvell stated, Hill was a threat to make something special happen on any given down while being a shifty route-runner. He also has legitimate speed as he was officially timed at 4.322 seconds in the 40-yard at the All-American Bowl National Combine in 2020.
Outside of how he looks on the field as he begins his time with the Seminoles, it will also be interesting to see where Hill fits in positionally. Hill played most of his prep career on the outside but Florida State needs some help in the slot.
At this point, the Seminoles are a little thin at the position after Mycah Pittman transferred to Utah. Pittman was a part-time starter last season while also providing crucial contributions on special teams. With his departure, redshirt senior Winston Wright and redshirt junior Ja'Khi Douglas are the two players with the most experience.
Both of them are coming off seasons where they were hampered by injuries. Wright was unable to suit up after injuring his leg as a passenger in a car accident. He returned during the spring but is still working his way back into form. Douglas was injured in the preseason before coming back in the middle of the year. He appeared in seven games but only made 10 catches for 123 yards and two scores.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Hill potentially get a look in the slot. He adds some intrigue with his speed and ability as a route-runner. His addition could also allow the Seminoles to experiment with a couple of players that are working mostly on the outside right now. Redshirt junior Darion Williamson has a promising skillset if he can stay healthy while true freshman Vandrevius Jacobs was one of the stars of the spring.
Williamson only played in five games in 2022 but he caught five passes for 98 yards against Boston College. Jacobs showed up during the Spring Showcase with a 44-yard catch and run that led to a touchdown on the following play. Both Seminoles seem to have the ability to move down if needed.
There's also still the curious case of Michigan State wide receiver transfer Keon Coleman. Florida State is heavily involved alongside programs such as Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Coleman is another player that plays a ton on the outside as a deep threat.
Regardless of how it works out, it's good to finally see Hill in Tallahassee. Now we'll find out if he can finally develop into the difference-maker that he was labeled as two years ago.
READ MORE: Wide Receiver Destyn Hill Added To Florida State's Student Directory
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