Mike Norvell and Florida State kept busy this week pursuing players formerly tied to Alabama football. It happened on Monday. It happened again on Tuesday and it probably won’t be the last time. Javion Hilson, a four-star edge rusher in the class of 2025, flipped his commitment from the Tide to FSU.

Hilson tweeted “IM [sic] HOME!!”, announcing his decision.

Hilson is from Cocoa, Florida and is a top-50 recruit. He’s ranked 47th nationally per 247Sports composite, the No. 7 pass rusher and No. 6 player from the Sunshine State.

He committed to Nick Saban and Alabama on Dec. 8 after taking a visit over the previous summer. Five recruits have decommitted from UA since Saban retired last week, notably 2024 star Ryan Williams.

A pseudo pipeline has sprouted over the last week connecting Tuscaloosa to Tallahassee. Five players for UA’s 2023 roster have announced their intent to transfer. In addition to Hilson, receiving prospect Jamie Ffrench — who reopened his recruitment as well — appears to be high on the Seminoles’ board. Norvell was among the rumored candidates to replace Saban, including Oregon’s Dan Lannnig and eventual hire Kalen DeBoer (Washington).

“You respect the place, you respect the position. At the end of the day, it still comes down to the right fit. It still comes down to the place where you want to be, and what puts you in a position that you can pour everything you have into it. We’ve been able to do that over the last four years here at Florida State.” Norvell told ESPN after agreeing to a contract extension, reportedly worth more than $10 million a year. “There’s a lot of excitement around our program. I’m just excited to continue to build upon the foundation that’s been laid.”

And now it seems like some former Alabama players want to join Norvell, including starting offense pieces Roydell Willams and Malik Benson. Meanwhile, DeBoer is still assembling his coaching staff, adding friend and South Alabama coach Kane Wommack as defensive coordinator.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].