By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
One of the biggest recruiting sleepers in North Louisiana is a receiver with one of the local area’s most noteworthy surnames – Captain Shreve senior JT Hester.
He is the youngest brother of Jacob Hester, the running back who was the Class 5A Offensive MVP for Evangel Christian, then became an LSU legend as a member of the 2007 national champion team, and played five seasons in the NFL, the first four with the San Diego Chargers.
I am getting old. I remember watching Jacob Hester in person when he played for Evangel Christian, long before he became a Tiger hero in Baton Rouge.
Like big brother, JT has a high skill level that should attract colleges, and has the speed needed to succeed at the next level — 4.43 in the 40-yard dash. Hester has good size for the WR position coming in at 6-0, 190.
He plays slot/WR for Captain Shreve and is one of the Gators’ top playmakers. He has the stuff to fit on an FBS roster, and I believe he will get several opportunities by the time December rolls around.
“Growing up with a pro football player in your household, there’s a lot of expectations to live up to,” he said. “I learned how college life will be and how much dedication this sport takes to be great. Also getting to see how the hard work can pay off, seeing everything my brother gets to do because of the time, dedication and hard work he put in to become who he is.
“You learn a lot, but it also could be overwhelming trying to live up to the name,” said JT. “I try to balance that as I am trying to make my own name for myself. I was about 1 when my brother Jacob signed with LSU and I am the youngest in my family.”
Gators’ receivers coach Nicholas Smith said Hester is the kind of person and player teams crave.
“JT is the type of player I think most young coaches believe they are getting as a routine matter of fact, season after season. The sad reality is not all kids work hard, pay attention to detail, and play this game with a selfless heart like JT does.
“He works his tail off whether he is feeling great that day or he’s at a low ebb. He executes his assignment no matter whose hands the ball is headed.
“JT has a great feel for spacing on the field in the slot and understands play calls holistically. He puts his body on the line to make tough catches that most would give up on.
“Any college coach would be lucky to have JT, although it isn’t why he plays or what drives him to be the best teammate he can be,” said Smith, “and I believe he will soon find a home for the next four years.”
With new Gators’ head coach Jeremy Wilburn and senior QB Brody Savage back after an injury-interrupted 2023 season, expect to see a much more balanced Shreve offense – one that will rely on Hester to blossom past sleeper status. He’s ready.
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com
Lee Brecheen has been covering high school football and recruiting in Louisiana since the early ‘90s. He is owner of Louisiana Football Magazine and can be followed on X @LeeBrecheen. He hosts a YouTube show, The Sports Scouting Report with Lee Brecheen. Previews of all state high schools are available on lafootballmagazine.com.