‘The Little Gator’ is officially a Gator as Booker T.’s Ben Hanks signs with Florida
Ben Hanks Jr.’s father, Ben, played at the University of Florida.
He grew up being nicknamed “the little Gator.”
So while some speculation surfaced in recent days thanks to some persuasion by the University of Miami as to whether Hanks Jr. was indeed going to continue his family’s legacy and head to Gainesville.
Before Hanks Jr. even walked into his school’s library on Wednesday morning, the signs all pointed to that still being the case.
Surrounded by family clad in Gators’ blue and orange, UF-themed balloons and even a sign portraying him wearing a Florida jersey, Hanks Jr. made things official with Florida when he signed his letter of intent.
“It’s a dream come true since I was a kid to be in this position I am today and now it’s official, I’m a Gator,” Hanks Jr. said. “Now, I have to take my ball to the next level.”
Hanks Jr., a 6-1, 170-pound, four-star recruit, figures to be one of the gems of Florida’s 2025 class. Hanks Jr. has been one of the most dominant defensive playmakers in the country for the past three seasons at Booker T. Washington.
This season, Hanks Jr. broke the Miami-Dade County single season record for interceptions with 13. And he could have as many as two more games left in his high school career as the Tornadoes are playing this Friday in a Class 2A state semifinal at Havana Gadsden County.
“I’m not shocked because that’s what I do. I’m a ballhawk. It’s a blessing to do what I do with my guys,” Hanks Jr. said. “Winning a state championship would be everything I dreamed of doing since I got here in my 10th grade year.”
Hanks Jr. said he remained steadfast with Florida even though the Hurricanes were a consideration at one point.
“I talked to Miami on Sunday and let them know I’m going to be a Gator,” Hanks Jr. said. “But I thanked them for everything they did for me and I know they’re doing great things, but I’m taking my talents to Florida.”
Hanks Jr. was the only football signee for Booker T. Washington on Wednesday, but Tornadoes coach Tim “Ice” Harris said he expects more players to sign during the late signing period in February.
