Ben Hanks a finalist for Nat Moore Trophy, sets local INT record
It’s been some week for Florida Gators commit Ben Hanks Jr.
Thursday, the 4-star cornerback from Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington was named one of four finalists for the CBS News Miami Nat Moore Trophy for 2024. A day later, he broke a local record.
With a pick Friday night vs. Miami Immaculata-La Salle in a 41-6 regional final, Hanks now has 13 interceptions in 12 games to set the single-season interception record in Miami-Dade County. Hanks had tied the record with two picks the previous week vs. Ft. Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. One of them was a pick-six.
Gary Adornato of Si.com described Hanks’ record-setting interception like this: “Early in the game, he intercepted an overthrown deep ball near the left sideline, showcasing the anticipation and athleticism that have made him a standout. After securing the ball, he reversed direction and returned it to the 25-yard line, halting Immaculata-La Salle’s offensive hopes.”
Hanks is a valuable member of the Florida Gators’ recruiting class and as many know is the son of Florida linebacker great Ben Hanks, who played for then-coach Steve Spurrier in the 1990s. Ben Hanks Sr. had 10 interceptions as a senior safety for Miami High back in his day.
Ben Hanks is top-100 recruit
The younger Hanks, listed at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, is the No. 11 corner and No. 69 overall recruit nationally for the On3 Industry Rankings. He committed to the Gators in August, but the Miami Hurricanes have not gone away and continue to heavily recruit him. At this time, our sources continue to hear he is solid to Florida.
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Per CBS News in Miami, “The CBS Miami Nat Moore Trophy recognizes the top high school player in any position and any school in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties who has positive character, leadership and meets all team standards for academics, sportsmanship and conduct.” Moore was a standout running back for the Gators in the 1970s and then had a stellar career at receiver for the Miami Dolphins.
The other finalists for the award are Miami Norland quarterback Ennio Yapoor, Miami Central linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin and Plantation American Heritage receiver Malachi Toney. Marcelin and Toney are Miami Hurricanes commitments.
The winner will be announced live on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a special airing on CBS Miami and streaming on CBSMiami.com. You can vote HERE.
