A deep dive into Michigan’s latest RB addition, C.J. Hester. From a record-setting high school career to his journey through the transfer portal, explore what Hester brings to the Wolverines’ backfield.
Last week, we talked about how vital the third running back is for the Michigan Wolverines and studied the film of Princeton transfer John Volker. This week, let’s take a closer look at the second running back Michigan added in the spring transfer portal window, C.J. Hester.
Background
Hester is a former three-star recruit from Wyoming High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. A finalist for the prestigious Mr. Ohio Award in 2022, he finished his prep career with more than 7,000 yards (top-15 all-time in state history) and 110 total touchdowns.
Despite this staggering production, Hester played Division IV football in Ohio (his high school had less than 600 students), and his numbers were equated more to the quality of opponents than the skill he possessed. Due to this assumption, Hester was predominantly offered scholarships by MAC schools and eventually committed to Western Michigan ahead of the 2023 season.
As a freshman, Hester appeared in eight games and rushed for 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 28 carries (4.7 average). Current Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito was on WMU’s staff as defensive coordinator when Hester was there; this connection, albeit more adjacent than direct, could be what initially put him on the radar.
However, following a 4-8 season, Hester entered the transfer portal and joined UMass. Another Michigan connection to note, although he wasn’t there when Hester arrived, is that he was recruited by Steve Casula to UMass before he left to join the Wolverines.
With the Minutemen, Hester split carries with Arizona transfer Jalen John, but still enjoyed a big uptick in production. Hester totaled 529 yards on 119 carries (4.4 average) and scored four touchdowns in 2024.
But the UMass team as a whole struggled to a 2-10 record. Head coach and old friend Don Brown was fired and offensive coordinator/interim head coach Shane Montgomery was not retained after the season. Hester stayed through the spring, but eventually hit the portal once more and packed his bags to join Esposito and Casula in Ann Arbor.
Measurables
Hester is listed at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, which is probably average program height/weight inflation. He looks to be a few inches shorter and a few pounds lighter, but he is by no means undersized. As for speed, there is no official 40-yard dash, but he appears to be a 4.6~ player who packs more of an initial burst than home-run speed.
Film Study
TL:DR: Hester is a violent, sudden runner with below-average speed who plays with a chip on his shoulder in every facet of the game.
Comparison: Costco Kyren Williams
There is limited tape of Hester available online, so let’s take a different approach. Here are a few things I know and a few I think I know from a very limited sample size.
I know…
- Hester protects the rock. There were zero fumbles on tape through two years that I could find, and even when fighting for extra yards, ball security remains the point of emphasis for him.
- He runs HARD. Hester is rarely tackled on first contact and takes it personally every time he is brought to the ground. There is a fire and competitive anger to his game that is uncommon for running backs with his frame (longer legs).
- He is outstanding in pass protection. Hester has a clear understanding of protection responsibilities and blocks with the same intensity he finishes runs with.
- Hester is not fast. Don’t get it twisted, he’s not the last rhino in Jumanji, putt-putting behind the pack. He would probably run 4.65 in the 40, but would do so with a rocketing 10-yard split. He compensates for his lack of top-end speed with explosiveness and acceleration through the line of scrimmage. He won’t outrun any defensive backs, but his stubbornness also won’t allow him to be tackled by just one either.
I think I know…
- Hester has potential as a receiving threat. In two years, he has only caught 15 balls for 60 yards, but his suddenness should translate to good route-running and allow him to create space and exploit linebackers. “But I thought he wasn’t fast!” You don’t have to be fast to be a good route runner (i.e., Keenan Allen, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Tez Johnson).
- He is a high-floor, low-ceiling player who projects as an RB2 at best. The addition comes now as a security measure for a thin room for a player that Casula sees something in.
Expectations at Michigan
Hester should redshirt in 2025. If Volker can stay healthy, Hester is at best competing with Micah Kapaana for RB4. Instead, he should use his first year in Ann Arbor to put on a few pounds and double down on the potential power he can generate as a runner. Make his strength an even greater strength.
Speed is not in the cards for Hester, but a frame that supports increased physicality could make him an impact player in 2026. After next season, likely both Justice Haynes and Volker will be gone, clearing the path for Hester to complement Jordan Marshall in the backfield, especially as a third-down back who can hold up in pass pro and develop as a check-release weapon in the flats.
Hester is a break-in-case-of-emergency player this season. A depth provider who can step in at the last minute due to injuries or absences and be trusted to protect the rock and the quarterback. However, with a year of development, he could eventually have a bigger role within Chip Lindsey’s offense.