CJ Hester
Bio
Recruiting
Scouting Report
CJ Hester is a highly productive and decorated running back, recognized as the 2022 Ohio Division IV Offensive Player of the Year and a Mr. Football award finalist. Despite a slightly undersized frame, he is a tough, instinctive runner with excellent vision and a low center of gravity. His collegiate career has seen him transfer from Western Michigan to UMass and briefly to Michigan, demonstrating his desire to compete at a high level.
Physical Profile
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Hester runs bigger than his listed size suggests. He possesses a compact build and good lower-body strength, which allows him to break arm tackles and consistently gain yards after contact. While not a top-end blazer, he has enough functional speed to be effective. His build is well-suited for a zone-blocking scheme where his vision and one-cut ability can be maximized.
Play Style
On film, Hester is a no-nonsense, north-and-south runner who excels between the tackles. He is a high-volume back who gets stronger as the game progresses. His best asset is his vision; he shows a natural feel for finding running lanes and manipulating second-level defenders. He is a willing and capable pass protector, not afraid to take on blitzing linebackers.
Strengths
- Exceptional high school production, amassing over 6,000 career rushing yards and being named Ohio's Division IV Offensive Player of the Year.
- Possesses excellent vision and patience to allow blocks to develop, coupled with decisive one-cut ability to hit the hole.
- Runs with a low pad level and strong leg drive, making him difficult to bring down on initial contact and enabling him to consistently fall forward for positive yardage.
Areas to Improve
- Lacks elite top-end speed, which may limit his ability to consistently create long, game-breaking runs at the Power Five level.
- Needs to continue developing as a receiver out of the backfield to become a true three-down threat; had 14 receptions in his most productive college season.
- Has a history of transferring, which may raise questions about his long-term fit within a program.
College Projection
Hester projects as a solid rotational running back at the Group of Five level or a contributor in a Power Five program. He has already shown the ability to be a lead back at the FBS level, with a season at UMass where he had 119 carries for 529 yards and four touchdowns. His tough running style and vision should allow him to see the field in a running back committee and on special teams. He could develop into a reliable starter with continued physical development and refinement in the passing game.
Best Fit
A program that utilizes a zone-based or gap-scheme running game would be an ideal fit for Hester's talents. His vision, patience, and one-cut running style are tailor-made for systems that allow him to read the flow of the offensive line and make decisive cuts. He would thrive in an offense that values a tough, dependable back who can consistently move the chains and wear down a defense.