Gators land commitment from this four-star, legacy CB

Florida’s 2025 recruiting class improved on Friday after Booker T. Washington (Miami) cornerback Ben Hanks Jr. 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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