Just a couple of days after receiving his release from his Miami scholarship, Kiy Hester has officially landed at his new football destination.
At a press conference discussing his new contract extension, Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood confirmed that Hester has been added to the Scarlet Knights’ roster. Hester had originally committed to RU before signing with The U this past February.
Hester, a New Jersey native, left the Hurricanes earlier this month due to what was described by Al Golden as “a personal issue at home,” even as UM originally declined to release the player to Rutgers. The school ultimately relented, allowing Hester to return home to tend to his issue at home, which is reportedly a health issue involving his mother.
“Sometimes when a player goes away if they want to come back it’s not always the right fit. That’s not the case right now because Kiy is the perfect fit,” Flood said in quotes disseminated by the school. “He is exactly the kind of person we want in this program. He’s a tremendous football player. We knew that. It’s more important to me that he’s the right of person.
“We’re excited that he’s back. I know he’s really excited about being back in New Jersey. I know his family is excited about having him back here so no we’ll get him acclimated to the football side of it, which will be fun.”
A four-star member of the Hurricanes’ 2014 recruiting class, Hester was rated as the No. 21 safety in the country and the No. 6 player at any position in the state of New Jersey.
Because he had already attended classes at Miami, Hester will be forced to sit out the 2014 season. However, he will have four years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2015.
Hester is the second former four-star signee the Hurricanes have lost in less than a week. Earlier today, it was reported that defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad has been suspended for the entire 2014 season because of an off-field incident last spring.
(Photo credit: Rivals.com)