4-star Florida legacy CB Ben Hanks, Jr. commits to Florida: 'I am ready to carry the torch and help bring Florida back'
Miami Booker T. Washington cornerback Ben Hanks, Jr. has committed to Florida. The No. 102 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking had Georgia, Louisville, Miami and a few others on his radar, but the Florida legacy wants to play in the Swamp, like his father.
“It was a tough decision, but at the end of the day, it was Florida,” Hanks told On3. “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.
“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.”
Hanks is ready to ‘carry the torch’ at Florida
Ben Hanks shined at linebacker at Florida from 1992-1995. He son will now get the chance to make plays inside Ben Hill Stadium and he is excited about the future in Gainesville.
“I am ready to carry the torch and help bring Florida back to where it was when my dad played there,” Hanks said. “I believe in coach Napier. He definitely can bring Florida back. We are getting players and the staff is working hard to get Florida back to the top.”
Being a legacy helped the Gators win this battle on the recruiting trail.
“It played a big role. I have been to Florida so many times. I knew about the program since I was a kid. Having family play there, knowing what Florida is about, it definitely had an impact on my commitment.”