Destyn Hill gives FSU a complete receiver who can make a quick impact
Brendan Sonnone
Florida State secured arguably its biggest commitment to date under Mike Norvell, receiving a verbal pledge from four-star wide receiver Destyn Hill.
Hill, also known as Fat, is a New Orleans native who is ranked as the country’s No. 113 overall prospect and No. 19 wide receiver.
With a ton of high-end physical tools, Hill (6-0, 200) is one of the most complete receivers in this recruiting class as he blends a high floor with enticing upside. His thick frame, speed (legitimately timed in the 4.3 range) and production (Class 4A All-State member in 2019 and 2020).
— Nick Harris (@NickHarris247) January 14, 2020Here are the top 25 forty-yard dash times from @AABonNBC’s National Combine on January 3rd.
Omari Walker clocks the fastest Texas time with Jaylen Jenkins, Jaydon Blue, and Jalen Milroe behind him.
Destyn Pazon clocks a SCORCHING 4.322 out of Edna Karr to lead all participants. pic.twitter.com/ZrvDFvj1P0
Here’s a closer look at Hill game and why FSU fans should be excited for this addition...
Play 1: Deep Speed
A constant threat to take the top off a defense,Hill is nearly impossible to defend one-on-one downfield at the prep level. The blazing speed is evident.
Here, you see what happens when he’s isolated with a single cornerback. Even a cushion can’t really help out whenHill has this much room to run. The little hesitation move is killer...and frankly, it's unfair to put a prep corner on an island against Hill.
— Beyond The Bench (@FSUFilmStuff) February 2, 2021
Play 2: Smoooooth
Hill'sroute running stands out. He’s extremely fluid in all of his movements, playing with this constant level of controlled bounciness.
The break below is so effortless and smooth.
We see this over and over again from Fat on his highlights. He just has a way of lulling defenders to sleep and then subtly exploding in another direction to swiftly get into space.
Play 3: Body Control
In addition to his speed and smooth playing style,Hill also brings excellent body control to the mix.
He routinely demonstrates the ability to get the ball at its highest point while remaining under control. So he isn't just fast...he shows glimpses of being a possession receiver as well.
More than flash, there is deep substance toHill's game. He frequently gets open for his quarterback, but shows that he’s also capable of being open even when he’s not open.
Hilltracks the ball in the air at an incredibly high level, and he’s not going to be bullied by defenders. His thick frame and coordination make him a threat to consistently win 50/50 passes at the prep level.
Play 4: YAC
FSU desperately needs receivers who can make plays after the catch...and this is a surefire strength of Hill's. His blend of speed, quick feet, strength and instincts make him an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands.
— Beyond The Bench (@FSUFilmStuff) February 2, 2021
Play 5: Making it look easy
Hilltoys with defenders. He not only moves quicker, but he seems to see things develop and react at a different speed than those around him.
That's the sign of an elite player...processing the game at a faster rate than others around you. Hill does this, consistently.
— Beyond The Bench (@FSUFilmStuff) February 2, 2021
What to like…
Hillappears to be the complete package. ...He’s a well-built athlete who plays receiver with this combination of ease and aggression. He’s smooth overall, but dials up the intensity when needed in jump-ball situations. ...Hill can win on every level, doing damage after the catch on screens, separating with ease on intermediate routes, and getting free deep on a routine basis. ...Quick feet, strong hands and a good frame as well. ...And obviously, elite speed.
What needs work…
Not much. There will obviously be a transition period preps to college, andHill won't be able to win with just his athletic edge at the next level (he's a very good athlete and does some things at an elite level). So expanding on route running (smooth and natural already) to further enhance his craft is a must, but indications are thathill should be able to make a smooth transition to college.
Scheme Fit
Hill is what Mike Norvell wants in a receiver: A diverse playmaker who does multiple things at a high level. Hill'sathleticism and frame will make him an outside-inside threat who will be moved around to different spots on the field in order to find ideal matchups.
Impact Timeline
There's a path to immediate playing time for Hill as long as he arrives to Tallahassee ready to throw himself into his craft. FSU's receiving unit was diminished by attrition last season and the position lacked playmakers. In fact, the Seminoles were among the worst teams in the country when it came to wide receivers generating big plays or avoid tackles.
Because of that, Hill will have every opportunity to see the field on Day 1 and could very well push to start as a rookie.
Final Thoughts
Hillis a well-rounded prospect with some elite traits at a position of need. This is an excellent take, arguably the biggest get of the Norvell Era thus far.
