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Florida 4-star CB commit Ben Hanks Jr. visits Miami

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•10/26/24•

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Ben Hanks copy 1
Photo by Chad Simmons/On3

Miami is keeping its foot on the gas recruiting multiple top in-state prospects committed elsewhere. Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes have some big targets in Coral Gables for their game against Florida State on Saturday night.

At the top of that list is Miami Booker T. Washington four-star cornerback and Florida commit Ben Hanks Jr. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder is in Hard Rock Stadium getting another look at the hometown program.

The Canes were thoroughly in the mix for Hanks’ pledge, but the Gators legacy committed to UF on Aug. 16. His recruitment is not closed, however, and Miami is looking to make an impression with a big win over the Seminoles.

“Ben Hanks was at one of Miami’s wins earlier this year,” On3’s Steve Wiltfong said earlier this week. “And as things continue to play out in Gainesville, I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that Florida has a new football coach next year. They’re battling week to week, got a win against Kentucky last week. But as Ben Hanks and his family monitor things there, Miami has certainly not relented on recruiting him away from the Gators.”

Hanks has been to Miami countless times throughout his recruitment, but as he continues to return and see games, the more optimistic the Canes will be about luring him away from his Florida commitment.

“It was a tough decision, but at the end of the day, it was Florida,” Hanks told On3 about his decision. “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.”

Florida’s 2025 recruiting class currently ranks No. 33 in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Hanks is one of two top-100 prospects in the class and is also the lone defensive back in the mix for Billy Napier and Co.

Miami’s class checks in at No. 10, thanks to 22 commits, 14 of whom are four-stars. Five blue-chip DBs are in the fold, headlined by four-star safety Hylton Stubbs, the nation’s No. 55 recruit.

Hanks is the No. 84 overall prospect and No. 11 CB in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 11 player in Florida.