Destyn Hill details difficult journey to Florida State, two-year wait

Destyn Hill has finally arrived at Florida State two years after signing his letter of intent. The former four-star receiver had the start of his college career delayed by a personal matter, but is ready to get rolling as he anticipates making his debut in 2023.

It’s a moment that both he and Seminoles fans have been anxiously awaiting. As Hill stood in front of media members for the first time as a FSU football player on Wednesday, he put into words why it was worth the wait.

“As you asked me the question, my mind started moving,” he said. “It’s just an amazing feeling. It’s a feeling like no other. Right now, I’m just going through it. That’s all I can say is it’s just amazing and more than I could explain. I’m at Florida State University. That just adds more icing on the cake for me.”

Destyn Hill was one of the top members of Florida State’s 2021 recruiting class, choosing the Seminoles over offers from other high-profile programs such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU and more. He ranked as the No. 112 overall player and No. 18 receiver in the class according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

All throughout the past two years, Hill stayed in touch with members of the Seminoles coaching staff. That gave him confidence that, despite the long wait, he would arrive in Tallahassee eventually.

“I never really worried about it because we kept the communication,” he said. “So when the time came, the time came. I’m here now and I’m ready to move forward.”

It remains to be seen how much room there will be for Hill to contribute in 2023. The Seminoles return last year’s leading receiver Johnny Wilson and also brought in Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman, with the pair expected to headline the group.

Hill is prepared for whatever is thrown at him in his first season, though. The receiver told reporters that he continued to work out on his own in the two years he was away from the program and feels he is “in shape” for the upcoming season.

“It involved running, staying in shape, catching, route breaks, quick twitches,” he said. “I’m in shape. I ain’t too far behind. As the summer goes on I’m gonna move forward with getting more in shape, in game-shape. I hope to contribute and I’m ready to contribute.”

Florida State is coming off of its first 10-win season since 2016 and has sights set high for the upcoming season. That’s what Hill envisioned when he signed with the team two years ago, and now he’s ready to be a part in helping the team live up to its goals.

“I learned how important Florida State (is) to me,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to get here. It means everything that I’m here now. I’m excited to see what’s to come.”