The Florida Gators’ 2024 recruiting has been underwhelming up to this point in the cycle, and as we get closer to Week 1, things could get more exciting for the Gators.

On Friday, top 100 candidate Ben Hanks Jr. has committed his talents to the Gators for the 2025 recruiting class. Hanks Jr. is currently the 81st-ranked prospect and 10th-best cornerback in the nation according to 247 Sports Player Rankings.

Some may recognize the name, but for a different reason. Hanks Jr. is the son of former Gator linebacker Ben Hanks Sr. In case anyone has forgotten who he is, Hanks Sr. is a multiple SEC champion and was twice selected to the First-Team All-SEC (1994, 1995) during his time with the Gators.

This oral statement by Hanks Jr., although expected, The latest predictions on the various recruiting sites is enormous. At the time leading up to this signing, it was clear that Florida had to play catch-up to earn his services.

Plus, losing him would have hurt because of his ties to the program. Missing out on a highly talented legacy would not have gone down well with the fan base that is already reaching its tipping point with Napier.

As for who they wanted to beat out of the state in recruiting, his offer list includes Miami, Florida State, Georgia and Louisville.

Hanks Jr. is now the 13th member of the Class of 2025 and the third top-100 prospect alongside Vernell Brown III, another legacy, and Jalen Wiggins. In addition, he is the first cornerback signed in this class.

If the Gators put on some more fireworks down the stretch and start winning games in 2024, it will be interesting to see where this class ends up.