Tag: Ben Hanks Jr

Gators legacy, top-100 CB Ben Hanks Jr. signs with Florida

It’s been a record-setting year for cornerback Ben Hanks Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps on Wednesday by signing with Florida.

Florida signed Booker T. Washington (Miami) cornerback [autotag]Ben Hanks Jr[/autotag]. at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

Hanks is a top-100 ranked recruit from the class of 2025 who committed to the Gators on Aug. 16 over Miami and Louisville. The Hurricanes continued to push for him after his commitment and had many convinced he would flip, but Florida’s strong finish and public backing of Billy Napier helped lock him up.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 170-pound defensive back recently broke the Miami-Dade County record for most interceptions in a season with 12, demonstrating an advanced approach to the position heading into the next level. Hanks possesses good speed, clocking an 11.04-second 100-meter dash, a 22.18 in the 200 and a 49.28 in the 400. There’s lockdown man-coverage potential here.

Hanks is a legacy commit. His father, Ben Hanks Sr., played linebacker at Florida from 1992-95 and played two seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. Hanks’ sister is also headed to Florida to play volleyball.

Recruiting Summary

Hanks is a consensus four-star recruit, ranked the highest by On3 at No. 52 overall in the site’s standalone list. The 247Sports composite, which considers all four major recruiting services, has him at No. 76 nationally and No. 11 among cornerbacks in the class of 2025, while the On3 industry ranking puts him at  Nos. 69 and 11, respectively.

“Long-limbed, reactionary athlete that has proven to be a ballhawk out on the perimeter while facing speedy Miami-based competition,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in a June report.

“Tested in the upper percentile spring before senior season, positing a sub 4.5-second effort in the 40-yard dash. Also won a district championship in the 400-meter dash as a junior. Comfortable in 1-on-1 situations and has experience working out of both press-man and off-man coverage.

“Fluid midline allows him to mirror with his hips and maintain phase. Some additional mass, however, would make him much more effective as a bump-and-run defender. Likes to cheat with his eyes and isn’t afraid to take a risk in hopes of producing a turnover.

“Should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level that can duke it out with large and fast wide receivers. Likely going to need some time to adjust to the college game and get the body right, but has the tools teams covet in an outside corner these days with his length (has a near 6-foot-5 wingspan), foot speed and ball skills as he constantly finds ways to get to the catch point.”

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Florida surging up team recruiting rankings after summer additions

Florida closed out the summer by adding several commitments from the 2025 class, and the Gators are jumping up the team rankings as a result.

It’s been a good summer for Billy Napier and the rest of Florida football’s recruiting staff.

Entering June, Florida had just four players under verbal commitment and ranked in the 50s nationally. A surge over the past two months has Florida moving up every major recruiting rankings list in the country, however.

Most recently, four-star Miami Booker T. Washington cornerback [autotag]Ben Hanks Jr[/autotag]. entered the fold, which led to at least a 10-spot jump on multiple lists.

The Gators surged from No. 43 to No. 30 on the 247Sports team rankings, passing three SEC teams among others. The On3 recruiting rankings are even higher on Florida, moving UF up 11 spots to No. 21 overall.

ESPN used to be the gold standard for recruiting but has fallen out of favor in recent years. On August 9, the industry leader pegged Florida as the No. 35 team on its recruiting rankings. Hanks is the team’s fourth ESPN300 recruit, so a significant jump is expected in the September update.

The outlier here is Rivals, which has Florida at No. 46 overall on its rankings. The Rivals player grades can differ drastically from the other major services, and this is one of those times.

Of course, there’s time for things to change as the cycle continues. The early signing period is four months away, and most high schools are just beginning the fall season.

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Gators land commitment from this four-star, legacy CB

Billy Napier and Florida’s recruiting staff continue to add four-star talent from the class of 2025. The latest commitment comes from Scornerback Ben Hanks Jr.

Florida’s 2025 recruiting class improved on Friday after Booker T. Washington (Miami) cornerback [autotag]Ben Hanks Jr[/autotag]. committed to the Gators over Louisville and Miami, according to On3.

“It was a tough decision, but at the end of the day, it was Florida,” Hanks said. “I liked Georgia a lot early. When I saw their practice and what they are about, it was great. Louisville was a school I loved on my official visit. Miami was up there too. The more visits I took, the tougher it got, but it came back to Florida.”

Hanks, a legacy recruit, is considered a priority target at his position for Florida and is the first defensive back from the 2025 class to pledge his services to the program. He is the son of former linebacker Ben Hanks.

“I have a great relationship with coach Billy Napier and coach Will Harris. I have been going to Florida since I was a kid. My dad played there, my sister went there, my cousin Treon Harris played there, so it is like home for me.

“That is what it came down to. Florida feels like home.”

Fellow legacy commit Vernell Brown III was quick to welcome him to the class on social media.

Recruiting Summary

Hanks is a four-star recruit on every major recruiting platform. On3 is the highest on him, putting him at No. 72 on its standalone rankings. Both major composite rankings have him just outside the top 100.

He has long arms and has proven himself as a ballhawk in a highly competitive area. The 400-meter district champion has verified speed and can handle most receivers 1-on-1.

Adding Hanks to the class is a big move for Florida, which spent the summer in need of some quality commitments. He instantly moves the Gators up 11 spots on the On3 team rankings. Florida now sits at No. 20, jumping past several SEC programs.

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Gators get another On3 RPM pick for blue-chip legacy CB

The Gators are getting closer and close to signing one of the top cornerback recruits in the 2025 cycle who also happens to be a legacy at UF.

The good news kept rolling in this week for Florida football’s recruiting efforts as [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and Co. continue to grind away at the 2025 cycle.

On Tuesday, the Gators earned a recruiting prediction machine pick from On3’s Corey Bender for legacy four-star cornerback Ben Hanks Jr. — son of Ben Hanks Sr. who played linebacker for the Orange and Blue back in the 1990s under Steve Spurrier — out of Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington.

“Hanks is the son of former Florida Gators linebacker Ben Hanks, but it’s also worth noting his sister attended UF,” Bender points out. “Those connections to the university are strong and were at the center of attention during Hanks’ official visit, as Steve Spurrier joined the family for one of the dinners. Reliving the father’s path that weekend made an impact and was a nostalgic experience for the family.

“Altogether, Hanks spent nearly a handful of days in Gainesville last month after taking an official visit and then returning for 7v7. That second visit was needed, but the OV is what catapulted Florida to the next level. Hanks hadn’t been on campus for nearly a year before then. I’m hearing NIL is a strong factor too.”

Florida’s other RPM pick

Last week, On3’s Keith Niehbur also submitted an RPM pick for the Gators in pursuit of Hanks; the pick was based on several factors with a medium confidence level.

“I’m looking for the culture, the environment, the coaching staff, just a place I can call home. I’m looking at the development part of it, the education part of it. That’s two of the top things.” Hanks recently told Rusty Mansell of On3.

“With my dad going here, they’ll always be a good school — a good fit with me,” Hanks also offered after an unofficial visit in late June.

“They’re just rebuilding to get back to that standard. Florida is a great program. I love the coaches here. They show me love. And it’s a good environment.”

Recruiting Summary

Hanks is ranked No. 101 overall and No. 12 at his position nationally on the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at No. 99 and No. 11, respectively.

On3’s recruiting prediction machine has Florida way out front for his talents with an 94.0% chance of landing him, while the Miami Hurricanes (2.8%) and Georgia Bulldogs (1.1%) trail far behind.

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Florida football gets On3 RPM prediction for blue-chip legacy CB

On3 is feeling bullish on Florida’s chances of hauling in legacy 4-star CB Ben Hanks Jr.

Billy Napier and Co. are on the verge of another coup in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

The Florida Gators earned a recruiting prediction machine pick from On3’s Keith Niehbur for legacy four-star cornerback Ben Hanks Jr. — son of Ben Hanks Sr. who played linebacker for the Orange and Blue back in the 1990s under Steve Spurrier — out of Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington.

The pick is based on several factors with a medium confidence level from Niehbur.

“I’m looking for the culture, the environment, the coaching staff, just a place I can call home. I’m looking at the development part of it, the education part of it. That’s two of the top things.” Hanks recently told Rusty Mansell of On3.

“With my dad going here, they’ll always be a good school — a good fit with me,” Hanks also offered after an unofficial visit in late June.

“They’re just rebuilding to get back to that standard. Florida is a great program. I love the coaches here. They show me love. And it’s a good environment.”

Recruiting Summary

Hanks is ranked No. 101 overall and No. 12 at his position nationally on the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at No. 99 and No. 11, respectively.

On3’s recruiting prediction machine has Florida way out front for his talents with an 88.5% chance of landing him. The Miami Hurricanes (5.4%), Georgia Bulldogs (2.1%) and Florida State Seminoles (1.31%) trail far behind.

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Four-star legacy DB recruit says ‘Florida has everything’

Four-star recruit from Miami, Florida says “Florida has everything.” The only thing is, his list of offers keeps growing.

A highly regarded four-star recruit has his eyes on the University of Florida.

Class of 2025 defensive back Ben Hanks Jr., son of legendary Gator with the same name, has been in contact with the Gators coaching staff daily, skyrocketing his stock in a UF commitment.

Hanks Jr. talked to On3 about what he likes when it comes to the Florida football program.

“Florida has everything,” Hanks said. “My dad went there, so if I went there, I could follow in his footsteps. My dad playing there helps a little, but it is my decision.”

The young man, from Booker T. Washington High School (Miami, FL), has a long time to ponder his choices, and he plans to do exactly that.

“I’m just going through the process,” Hanks said. “I haven’t found that place to call home yet. There’s no rush for me. I’ll take it slow, see what coaches I connect best with, and go through the process.”

According to On3, the Miami Hurricanes and Florida State Seminoles have also been in contact with Hanks.

Hanks is 58th on the 247Sports rating and is ranked 8th nationally among cornerbacks. Florida is not only competing with the Sunshine State rivals but with Alabama, Auburn and Georgia as well.

Ben Hanks Sr. was a 1995 All-SEC linebacker before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, and then making his way to the Detroit Lions.

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Florida football legacy could follow his father’s footsteps

Like father, like son? Florida is hoping that Ben Hanks Jr. will end up a Gator, just as his dad did in the 90s.

Family ties can mean a ton when it comes to recruiting, and the Florida Gators are pursuing the son of former outside linebacker Ben Hanks, who totaled 320 tackles over four seasons in Gainesville.

[autotag]Ben Hanks Jr[/autotag]. is a bit quicker than his old man, and he’s being recruited as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 class. Florida is one of many schools hoping to get him on campus, and Hanks’ family history should help to some degree, according to a recent interview he gave to Gators Online.

“It’s not too far from home. Also, my father played there, so that would be great if I went and followed in his footsteps,” the younger Hanks said. “Also, just the culture and staff. Everything is just amazing at the University of Florida.”

Hanks has reached out to defensive back coach Corey Raymond. Most prospective UF corners take a special interest in Raymond thanks to his stellar record of producing NFL talent. Hanks is no different and says that Raymond plays a big role in his recruiting process.

The senior Hanks isn’t pressuring his son to follow the same path he did, though. The family intends to take their time and look at all available options before making a decision.

Hanks is a consensus four-star recruit, ranked highest by 247Sports at No. 58 overall and No. 8 among cornerbacks in the class of 2025. The On3 industry ranking, which uses a weighted average from all four major services, places him at No. 114 nationally and No. 10 among th

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