On Friday, the Florida Gators football team secured a commitment from cornerback Ben Hanks Jr., a standout from Booker T. Washington High School in Florida. Heading into his senior year, Hanks Jr. has accumulated 38 tackles, six interceptions, four defensive touchdowns, and three blocked field goals over the past season. As a sophomore, he recorded 31 tackles, eight passes defended, and three interceptions. His contributions were crucial in Booker T. Washington’s impressive 18-6 record over the last two seasons.
Hanks Jr., a 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback from Miami, chose the Gators over offers from Miami and Louisville. According to 247Sports’ Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins, Hanks Jr. is noted for his agility and ability to intercept passes, especially against speedy competition. His remarkable speed also earned him a district championship in the 400-meter dash during his junior year.
Ben Hanks Jr. follows in the footsteps of his father, Ben Hanks Sr., who played for the Gators from 1992 to 1995. Hanks Sr. was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection and known for his formidable defense. After college, he went undrafted but had brief stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, and played in NFL Europe and the XFL.
Despite this notable addition, Florida’s 2025 recruiting class still trails other SEC programs. The Gators have yet to sign a five-star recruit for 2025, but Hanks Jr. joins other four-star prospects like wide receiver Vernell Brown III, edge rusher Jalen Wiggins, running back Waltez Clark, linebacker Myles Johnson, and safety Demetres Samuel Jr. Additionally, Florida has added several three-star recruits, including top-five punter Hayden Craig. For the 2024 class, Florida finished in the top ten, bolstered by commitments from five-star quarterback DJ Lagway and five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray.
