The Miami Hurricanes raised more than a few eyebrows on August 19, when head coach Mario Cristobal extended an early verbal scholarship offer to Drayton “Dray” Hester, the son of former Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Devin Hester.
What made the offer stand out wasn’t just the famous last name, it was the timing of it. Drayton is only a seventh grader, part of the Class of 2031, but Miami clearly sees something worth locking onto early. Dray announced his recruitment on Instagram.
For Miami, there’s a little bit more to the young Hester’s recruitment than his potential. The senior Hester carved out his legend with the Hurricanes before becoming a household name in Chicago.
Devin’s four punt return touchdowns in college—two of them came in a single game against Louisiana Tech—highlighted how dangerous he was in space. That college résumé was enough to convince the Bears to take him in the second round of the 2006 draft, and it laid the groundwork for one of the most unique careers in NFL history.
More on Devin Hester’s Son Dray & His Recruitment by the Miami Hurricanes
Dray has been already turning heads in youth football for quite some time. Competing for the Orlando-area Anytime Jags, he’s played quarterback, running back and wide receiver depending on who he’s going up against. His highlight reels have gotten thousands of views online, and you can’t help but notice the way his uncanny ability to change direction mirrors his father.
While his exact position at the high school level remains to be seen, his skill set has him listed as an “ATH” (athlete) by recruiting services—a tag reserved for players whose versatility is too strong to pigeonhole.
Hester Sr. Had One of the Most Unique NFL Careers of All-Time
Put simply, Hester’s time with Chicago redefined special teams. As a rookie in 2006, he returned two kicks for touchdowns in a single game against the Rams and finished the year with five total return scores.
He followed that with an NFL-record six more return touchdowns in 2007, cementing his status as the most feared return man the game had ever seen.
Over the course of his career, Hester set the NFL record for most combined return touchdowns (20). He was such a threat, he forced teams to scheme against him in ways no returner had before. His influence was so profound that it changed the way coaches around the entire league coached special teams.
In 2024, the Hall of Fame made it official, inducting him as the first true return specialist to earn a gold jacket.
Young Dray Will Try to Make His Own Mark
That’s the shadow Drayton is stepping into, but also the blueprint. Watching his highlights, it’s easy to see the similarities to his dad: the sudden cuts, the instinct to find seams where none appear to exist and the confidence to attack defenders head-on.
The younger Hester has already demonstrated the ability to play quarterback in youth football, but long-term projections have him shifting into a skill position where he can maximize his speed and agility.
It’s also worth noting that Drayton’s recruitment is still in its infancy. Early offers to middle schoolers are not binding, but they establish relationships and can create a sense of loyalty that matters years later. For Miami, making the first move shows both respect for the Hester legacy and belief in Drayton’s potential.
If he continues to develop, it wouldn’t be surprising to see other big football schools follow Miami’s lead.
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