It’s been nearly a month since Destyn Hill’s long-awaited arrival and enrollment at Florida State.

Hill, a New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr high product, was the highest-rated member of FSU’s 2021 signing class as the No. 167 overall recruit and No. 25 wide receiver in the class according to Rivals.

And yet, Hill did not enroll with the rest of FSU’s 2021 class that summer. Or with the 2022 class. Through total radio silence on his end, there were real questions if the talented wide receiver would ever make it to Tallahassee.

After two years of rampant speculation, he finally arrived May 12. On Wednesday, he addressed FSU reporters for the first time as a Seminole.

“It’s an amazing feeling. It’s a feeling like no other…” Hill said of finally being a part of the FSU football program. “It’s more than I could explain. It’s just the icing on the cake for me.”

Hill has not publicly shared the reason for his delayed enrollment. When FSU announced he would not be enrolling ahead of the 2021 season, the school release said, “Destyn Hill's enrollment is delayed due to a personal matter. With respect to his family's privacy, we are looking forward to him joining our program in the future.”

When FSU announced in May that Hill would be joining the program, FSU head coach Mike Norvell said of Hill via press release, “He has showcased a tremendous amount of maturity and persistence as he dealt with a private family matter that delayed his enrollment. We are grateful for his desire to be a Seminole and excited for what he’s going to bring to the Nole Family on and off the field.”

Hill said he never really wavered in his belief throughout the process that he would eventually end up a part of the FSU football program.

“I never really worried about it because (the FSU coaching staff and I) kept the communication,” Hill said. “When the time came, the time came. I’m here now. I’m ready to move forward.”

Although he always believed he would end up a part of the program, he did admit that his two-year layoff from football taught him some valuable things.

“I learned how important Florida State is to me. I couldn’t wait to get here,” Hill said. “It means everything. I’m here now so I’m excited to see what’s to come.”

Hill hasn’t played in a football game since Edna Karr failed to win its fifth straight state championship in December of 2020. As such, he arrived at FSU two full years removed from high school but a true freshman in terms of eligibility.

During that time away from football, Hill worked out at his high school field, staying as close as he could to football shape while away from the game.

“I’m in shape, I’m not too far behind,” Hill said. “As the summer goes on, I’m going to move forward with getting more in game shape. I hope to contribute. I’m ready to contribute.”

That has helped Hill hit the ground running in FSU’s summer conditioning workouts since arriving on campus last month.

“Because I never checked out, I’m getting through the workouts. I’m feeling my best,” Hill said. “I’m feeling healthy, I’m feeling in shape for the most part. Everything’s been moving smoothly so far.”

Asked if Hill would ever feel comfortable sharing the details of what went into his two-year delay, he said, “I am comfortable with it. It’s really just a family thing. That’s how I choose to keep it. I’m here now and I’m excited to see what happens in the future with me being at Florida State.”

Hill arrives in Tallahassee to a very different FSU team and wide receiver room than when he signed with the Seminoles. When he signed, FSU had just wrapped up a 3-6 season in Mike Norvell’s first year and FSU’s wide receiver room was desperately in need of playmakers.

Now, the Seminoles are expected to be a preseason top-10 team and have a much more talented receiver unit.

“I’m proud of what the team has done over the last two years,” Hill said. “I can’t wait to contribute, give what I have to offer.”

Follow The Osceola on Facebook

Follow The Osceola on Twitter

Subscribe to the Osceola's YouTube channel

Subscribe to the Osceola's podcasts on Apple

Subscribe to the Osceola's podcasts on Spotify