Michigan State offers 2026 Florida safety Clifton Hester

Michigan State secondary coach Blue Adams continues to expand his recruiting board for the class of 2026 as the prospects in the ’26 cycle prepare for their junior seasons this fall. Adams extended an offer to 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety Clifton ‘CJ’ Hester, of Cocoa (FL) High on July 26.

Hester is ranked a three-star recruit, the No. 331 overall recruit in his class by the 2026 On3 Industry Rankings. He is also ranked a four-star, the No. 72 overall recruit in his class, the No. 7 safety and the No. 15 recruit in Florida by the 2026 On3 Rankings.

The safety holds other offers from Kentucky, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Iowa State, and others. He visited Central Florida and Southern Florida for unofficial visits last week.

“I have been talking to Michigan State for a few weeks,” Hester told SpartanMag.com. “They reached out around the Fourth of July to wish me a happy holiday.”

Michigan State secondary coach Blue Adams has a strong reputation in South Florida, a Miami native himself. Adams spent time as a player and as a coach with the Miami Dolphins, also playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well. He was also secondary coach at South Florida from 2017-18.

Spartan director of defensive player personnel Austin D’Armond was first in touch with Hester, passing the communication over to Adams.

“Coach Austin (D’Armoud) had facetimed me and he handed the phone to Coach Blue Adams,” Hester said. “He was asking about my family. Then asked how I was doing, and asked me about the physical aspect of the game and if I like hitting.”

“I told him I love hitting and tackling. I liked Coach Blue. I think he is a cool and great coach.”

Hester will now look to potentially visit Michigan State in the fall for a game. He is looking forward to seeing Spartan Stadium in action on game day.

“I am blessed to have the Michigan State offer and I think they have a good program as well as having a great culture,” Hester said. “Coach was talking about getting me up there I would take a visit there when I get the chance. I am probably looking forward to seeing the stadium (the most).”

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