IMG Academy WR Jerrae Hawkins Jr. Signs With the Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- Speedy IMG Academy wideout Jerrae Hawkins Jr. made his commitment to the Gators official on Early National Signing Day, as he put pen to paper on his National Letter of Intent to the program.

“Full speed every snap. Playmaker. Work to be the best teammate and player I can be.”

Welcome to The Swamp, @Tankk_1k!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/9acMC1tBGj
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound pass catcher ranks as the No. 44 wide receiver and No. 267 overall player in the 2024 class according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

The Gators took considerable interest in quick-twitch slot wideout prospects in the spring as head coach Billy Napier and wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales put a notable focus on acquiring more slot-like pieces who could win with speed in space.

Hawkins, who runs a recorded 4.3-second 40-yard dash and was once credited with reaching 4.25 seconds, immediately emerged as a major target at that spot. He chose the Gators over several other Power Five programs in June, including Miami and Penn State, to offer the explosive target downfield and along the boundary the coaching staff yearned for.

He produced well in his final season at the prep level for the Ascenders, showcasing both his ability to work deep, outrunning defenders with his straight-line speed, and with elusiveness in space.

Hawkins is expected to early enroll at the University of Florida in the spring, giving him time to grow acclimated physically before his true freshman campaign.

Learn more about Hawkins' skill set and pledge to the Gators via his All Gators recruit profile below.

Florida has coveted speed at wide receiver under Napier's leadership and none represent that quality better than Hawkins, who has a 4.25-second 40-yard dash and 6.69-second 60-meter, 10.37-second 100-meter and 21.48-second 200-meter dashes to his name. He averaged 18.1 yards per catch across 97 receptions for 1,751 yards and 20 touchdowns in two varsity seasons at Wheeling Park High School, before transferring to IMG Academy for his senior campaign. With the Ascenders, Hawkins averaged 18.6 yards per catch with 26 receptions for 483 yards and four scores. Hawkins will need to add good weight to his frame to withstand the physicality of the SEC, but UF will want to balance his strength and conditioning approach in order to maintain his athleticism.

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