Tennessee and three other SEC schools are on the list of favourites revealed by one of the nation’s best edge rushers in the 2025 class on Saturday.
Tennessee is among the best schools vying for a highly sought-after defensive target out of Florida. The Vols are one of four SEC teams vying for four-star Class of 2025 edge rusher Javion Hilson of Cocoa (Fla.) High School, who revealed his top ten college choices in a post on his X account on Saturday night.
Tennessee was joined by Texas, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Penn State, Florida, Florida State, Miami, and UCF as the front-runners for the 225-pound, 6-foot-3.5 Hilson, who is rated in the top 50 prospects in the country. At least thirty colleges have offered him scholarships, including all ten of his current top choices.
According to 247Sports, Hilson is the No. 4 edge rusher in the 2025 class, the No. 47 overall recruit, and the No. 8 junior from the state of Florida. According to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, he is classified as a four-star recruit as well as the No. 48 overall player, No. 7 edge rusher in the 2025 class, and No. 6 junior from Florida.
After receiving an offer from the Vols on March 10, he travelled to Tennessee for the first time on April 15 to observe their spring finale, the Orange and White Game. His post on his X account following his trip to Knoxville read, “Had a Great visit @Vol_Football.”
Hilson said, “I love Tennessee,” to GoVols247. “When I went up there to visit in the summer, it had a nice vibe. I loved their (defensive) strategy, and the coaches were really kind and made the area seem like home.”
Hilson played for a number of colleges this season, including Florida and Florida State. On September 16, he went to witness the home-state Gators play Tennessee at home.
Director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote 247Sports’ official assessment on Hilson, calling him a “intriguing edge prospect who looks to have plenty of growth potential.”
Ivins wrote of Hilson, “Appears to be able to carry 265 (pounds) or so eventually.” “Can play a little stiff at times, but as he moves into the backfield, he gains a lot of momentum and covers a lot of ground.” Normally straight, yet capable of changing course. Long-term projections place him more as a run defender than a pass rusher, but his output demonstrates adaptability and situational effectiveness.
Physical characteristics, test results, and functional fitness all point to significant long-term potential. Possesses potential to be an NFL Draught pick and a high-major impact player.”
Hilson is “able to change directions as needed with a potentially higher ceiling as a run-game stalwart, though the pass-rushing production reflects plenty of potential there, as well,” according to Ivins’ October writing. Hilson has already recorded 11 sacks in 10 games this fall. Hilson possesses the physical characteristics, test results, and functional athleticism necessary to offer a high potential over time.”
He mostly lined up in a three-point stance on the edge as a sophomore, amassing 36 tackles, including 9.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss, in addition to two forced turnovers. He received credit for nine hurries as well.
Be the first to comment