Remember him? 4-star recruit from New Jersey. Ranked No. 6 in New Jersey.
He visited MSU and Miami.
Signed with Miami but transferred immediately to Rutgers. Sat out last year.
He's now a redshirt freshman and starting at safety.
Story about him on the Rutgers Rivals site today:
Hester settling in as a starter
Bobby Deren
ScarletNation.com Senior Writer
Start No.3 looks to be only a couple of days away for Rutgers redshirt freshman strong safety Kiy Hester. He is coming off a strong performance in his second start and will see a significant upgrade in competition on Saturday night when he takes the field against Michigan State.
Hester has played in three of four games this season
"I see a type of team that is just going to come in and pound the rock, try to out physical the other team," Hester said of Michigan State. "If you back down, they are just going to beat you. If you stand there and fight, you could play with them. I feel like anybody in the Big Ten can play with each other. We all have similar characteristics. I feel like if we come in and play fast and tough, it is going to be a good game."
Hester and company will also have a home field advantage as Saturday is the team's annual blackout game.
"The atmosphere is going to be crazy," Hester said. "We are going to have the fans there. I don't think Michigan State left the state of Michigan yet so it's going to be fun. They are a very good team, but playing them at home is a plus. We are going to be ready."
Hester had nine tackles in RU's last game against Kansas and has 13 on the season.
"I feel like I have settled in, but I also feel like there is a lot of room to improve," Hester said. "Each day, I am practicing harder, watching more film and working on little things, minor things to correct. Day by day I am feeling more comfortable, more relaxed and just playing more freely and faster."
And what specific areas is Hester looking to improve upon this Saturday?
"I want to say paying attention to the details. I had some minor slip-ups during the last game. I am working on my eyes, focusing on my reads and then flying to the ball. A couple plays I got gassed so I am working on my stamina and just running to the ball every play."
Hester and the defense have a tall task ahead, facing the No.4 team in the nation. Now that the game is only two days away, Hester is confident in the way the preparations have been going.
"We have been out there flying around all week. I feel like we've got a good game plan. People have been coming in watching extra film and there is a lot of good intensity."
He visited MSU and Miami.
Signed with Miami but transferred immediately to Rutgers. Sat out last year.
He's now a redshirt freshman and starting at safety.
Story about him on the Rutgers Rivals site today:
Hester settling in as a starter
Bobby Deren
ScarletNation.com Senior Writer
Start No.3 looks to be only a couple of days away for Rutgers redshirt freshman strong safety Kiy Hester. He is coming off a strong performance in his second start and will see a significant upgrade in competition on Saturday night when he takes the field against Michigan State.
Hester has played in three of four games this season
"I see a type of team that is just going to come in and pound the rock, try to out physical the other team," Hester said of Michigan State. "If you back down, they are just going to beat you. If you stand there and fight, you could play with them. I feel like anybody in the Big Ten can play with each other. We all have similar characteristics. I feel like if we come in and play fast and tough, it is going to be a good game."
Hester and company will also have a home field advantage as Saturday is the team's annual blackout game.
"The atmosphere is going to be crazy," Hester said. "We are going to have the fans there. I don't think Michigan State left the state of Michigan yet so it's going to be fun. They are a very good team, but playing them at home is a plus. We are going to be ready."
Hester had nine tackles in RU's last game against Kansas and has 13 on the season.
"I feel like I have settled in, but I also feel like there is a lot of room to improve," Hester said. "Each day, I am practicing harder, watching more film and working on little things, minor things to correct. Day by day I am feeling more comfortable, more relaxed and just playing more freely and faster."
And what specific areas is Hester looking to improve upon this Saturday?
"I want to say paying attention to the details. I had some minor slip-ups during the last game. I am working on my eyes, focusing on my reads and then flying to the ball. A couple plays I got gassed so I am working on my stamina and just running to the ball every play."
Hester and the defense have a tall task ahead, facing the No.4 team in the nation. Now that the game is only two days away, Hester is confident in the way the preparations have been going.
"We have been out there flying around all week. I feel like we've got a good game plan. People have been coming in watching extra film and there is a lot of good intensity."
