JUST IN: Four-star WR Jerrae Hawkins commits to Florida Gators

Billy Napier and the Gators continue to click on all cylinders in recruiting, as four-star wide receiver Jerrae Hawkins announced his commitment moments ago.

Just four days ago, Gators Online listed him as one of three candidates to become UF’s next commitment.

A product of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, Hawkins is a West Virginia native who had trimmed his list to Florida, Penn State and Miami before making a decision today. He went through an official visit with the Nittany Lions over the weekend, but it was just shortly thereafter when he announced he rescheduled his commitment date for today.

Now, the 5-foot-9, 160-pound Hawkins is officially committed to the University of Florida.

“I’m a Gator!!” Hawkins told GO.

Prior to making his announcement, the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine was favoring UF with odds north of 95 percent. Several picks were made as well, including ones from GO’s Keith Niebuhr and I.

Florida is the total package for Hawkins

The dynamic playmaker is highly impresssed by Billy Gonzales’ track record and loves the idea of playing in the SEC. Napier’s experience with receivers also stands out to him, so plenty of boxes were checked well ahead of Hawkins’ big day.

“Florida is where my heart is. There was no reason for me to wait any longer,” Hawkins told On3’s Chad Simmons. “I really knew on my official visit that Florida could be the school. The vibe was right for me. The players were cool. I like the coaches. It just felt like the move I should make.

“The reasons I picked Florida outside of how they recruited me and the atmosphere was the offense, how they would use me in it and the fans. I love the fans at Florida. They are crazy and it will be great to play in front of them.”

“The player development at Florida stands out. They also have good history at producing receivers. Their track program is big too because I want to run track in college,” Hawkins told Simmons last week.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Hawkins is labeled the No. 38 wide receiver and No. 233 prospect regardless of position.

With today’s commitment, the Gators’ top-three class now features 17 prospects, including two wide receivers. Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood standout Izaiah Williams announced his commitment on May 5.

Gators log another victory at IMG Academy

Last cycle, UF signed interior offensive lineman Knijeah Harris from the powerhouse program. And although he finished school in New Jersey, defensive lineman Will Norman also spent time in Bradenton.

Then you have former UA All-American safety Kamari Wilson who signed as a 2022 recruit, so Billy Napier’s dedication to IMG is producing strong results with Jerrae Hawkins being the latest addition.

As a junior, Jerrae Hawkins posted 67 catches for 1,173 yards and 14 touchdowns. That was prior to him relocating down to the Sunshine State. As for track and field, he reports times of 10.44 and 21.4 in the 100M and 200M, respectively.

In addition to his finalists, Hawkins previously earned offers from Alabama, Oregon, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Pittsburgh and West Virginia among others.

Stay tuned to Gators Online for more on Hawkins’ pledge to the Orange and Blue.