On Friday, the Florida football program earned a significant boost in the 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of a four-star cornerback. Ben Hanks Jr., the son of former Florida Gators superstar with the same name, committed to the SEC program heading into the weekend. With the addition of the younger Hanks, Florida now owns the 30th-ranked class of recruits for 2025.
According to Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports, Hanks Jr. picked the Gators over the Louisville Cardinals and Miami Hurricanes. Hanks Jr. told On3 Sports, “305 to 352, Gator Nation, we here!!”
Florida Football: Lands CB Ben Hanks Jr.
On Friday, the Florida football program received a verbal commitment from cornerback Ben Hanks Jr. The Booker T. Washington High School (FL) product 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. Booker T. Washington has posted an 18-6 record in the past two seasons, with Hanks Jr. playing a prominent role.
BREAKING: Four-Star CB Ben Hanks Jr. has Committed to Florida, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’1 170 CB from Miami, FL chose the Gators over Miami & Louisville
Is the son of Former UF All-SEC LB Ben Hanks Sr.
“305 to 352, Gator Nation we here!!🐊”https://t.co/EAEikQX41t pic.twitter.com/V9wpBVMOkS
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 16, 2024
According to 247Sports’ Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins, Hanks Jr. is a “Long-limbed, reactionary athlete that has proven to be a ballhawk out on the perimeter while facing speedy Miami-based competition.” Ivins also praises the young cornerback for his elite speed, which translated into a district championship in the 400-meter dash as a junior.
Ben Hanks Jr.: Son of Former Florida Football megastar
If the name Ben Hanks sounds familiar, it’s because his father played for the Florida football program from 1992 to 1995. Hanks Sr. earned first-team All-SEC honors twice while being one of the most feared defenders in the SEC for three seasons. Alongside being a strong run game presence, Hanks Sr. recorded three interceptions across 36 games with the Gators.
An undrafted free agent, the elder Hanks spent 1996 to 1998 playing for the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. The six-foot-two, 235-pound second-level defender collected five tackles during his NFL career. The now 52-year-old played for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in 1999 and the New Jersey Hitmen of the XFL in 2001.
Florida Football: Recruiting Class of 2025
Florida has also added numerous three-stars, including top-five punter prospect Hayden Craig. As for the 2024 recruiting class, Florida finished in the top ten thanks to the commitment from five-star quarterback DJ Lagway and five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray.
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