Jerrae Hawkins, electric 4-star wide receiver, commits to Florida over Miami, Penn State

Without question, IMG Academy (Florida) is one of the top high school football programs in America.

Every season, IMG Academy not only competes for a high school football national title, but they also churn out several of the nation's best prospects.

For Florida's "Big Three" college football programs - Florida, Florida State and Miami - building a pipeline to the illustrious program and keeping that talent close to home is essential.

The Florida Gators took a big step forward in that regard Monday, as speedy wide receiver Jerrae "Tank" Hawkins announced his commitment to Billy Napier's program over fellow finalists Miami and Penn State.

“I’ll be headed to Florida," Hawkins said. "“From a development standpoint, I feel Florida's coaching staff, and competing in the SEC, gives me the best chance to become the best player I can be.  Also, it would be good to win national championships in two sports in college."

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound speedy slot receiver, rated the nation's No. 172 overall prospect and No. 28 pass-catcher, also intends to run track and field at the collegiate level.

Hawkins hopes to compete in the 100-meter dash and the 60-meter dash during the indoor season, schedule permitting.

Last fall on the football field, he racked up 67 receptions for 1,127 yards and 14 scores, proving to be a dynamic weapon anytime he touched the football. 

Hawkins joins a Florida 2024 recruiting class that is ranked No. 4 nationally, and is headlined by a pair of Texas five-star prospect - Willis quarterback D.J. Lagway and McKinney safety Xavier Filsaime. 

 Junior season highlights