The Florida football program have received a huge boost in the 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of a four-star cornerback. Ben Hanks Jr., the son of the same-named former Florida Gators superstar, has committed to the SEC program ahead of the weekend. With the addition of the younger Hanks, Florida currently has the 30th-ranked recruiting class for 2025.
According to Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports, Hanks Jr. chose the Gators over the Louisville Cardinals and the Miami Hurricanes. Hanks Jr. told On3 Sports, “305 to 352, Gator Nation, we are here!!”
Booker T. Washington High School (FL), where Hanks Jr. plays, has had an 18-6 record in the previous two seasons. On Friday, the Florida football program received a verbal commitment from cornerback Ben Hanks Jr., who will enter his senior year after posting 38 tackles, six interceptions, four defensive touchdowns, and three blocked field goals last season. As a sophomore, Hanks Jr. tallied 31 tackles, eight passes defended, and three picks.
Andrew Ivins, Director of Scouting at 247Sports, describes Hanks Jr. as a “long-limbed, reactive athlete who has demonstrated his ball-hawking skills on the perimeter against fast Miami-based competition.” Ivins also highlights Hanks Jr.’s exceptional speed, which earned him a district championship in the 400-meter dash during his junior year.
The name Ben Hanks may ring a bell because his father, Ben Hanks Sr., played for Florida from 1992 to 1995. Hanks Sr. was a standout defender in the SEC, earning first-team All-SEC honors twice and recording three interceptions over 36 games with the Gators. Known for his strong run defense, he was a significant presence on the field.
After going undrafted, Hanks Sr. played from 1996 to 1998 with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, accumulating five tackles in the NFL. He also played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe in 1999 and the New Jersey Hitmen in the XFL in 2001. Now 52, he has been involved in various football leagues since then.
Although Ben Hanks Jr. has committed to Florida, the program still trails other SEC schools in recruiting for the 2025 class. While Florida has yet to sign a five-star recruit for 2025, Hanks Jr. joins five other four-star prospects: wide receiver Vernell Brown III, edge rusher Jalen Wiggins, running back Waltez Clark, linebacker Myles Johnson, and safety Demetres Samuel Jr.
Florida has also secured several three-star recruits, including top-five punter prospect Hayden Craig. In the 2024 recruiting class, Florida finished in the top ten, bolstered by commitments from five-star quarterback DJ Lagway and five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray.
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