IMG Academy WR Jerrae Hawkins Schedules Official Visit to Florida

Gators slot wide receiver target Jerrae Hawkins Jr. is scheduled to take an official visit to Florida this summer.

IMG Academy pass catcher Jerrae Hawkins Jr. has scheduled an official visit to the University of Florida for June 9-11, he confirmed to All Gators Wednesday morning.

The speedy wideout is freshly removed from his first trek to Gainesville on April 8, where the Gators made a strong impression on him as they try to acquire his services this recruiting cycle.

He recently included the program in his top six schools list alongside Louisville, Miami, Penn State, West Virginia and Wisconsin. While Florida will have to make a strong push in order to keep the northeast native (Wheeling, W.V.) from returning home, the recent bond forged positions the Gators to at least have a hat at the table until the closing stages of his recruitment.

His transfer to IMG for his senior season bodes well for UF, given the relative proximity to campus compared to the other schools in heavy contention. 

Standing at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, Hawkins presents a future as a slot receiver at the next level, given his elite-level speed and elusiveness in space paired with his small stature. He showcased his talents as a junior, reeling in 67 receptions for 1,173 yards and 14 touchdowns.

His ability to take the top off of opposing defenses and wiggle through traffic in the open field presents drawing factors for a plethora of Power Five programs.

Florida is one.

The Gators have made it a point to acquire speed in space since the new coaching staff took over. It was an endeavor initially taken on by former wide receivers coach Keary Colbert in 2023 as he brought burners like Aidan Mizell and Eugene Wilson III into the commitment class and acquired Ricky Pearsall via the transfer portal last spring.

Now, in his third stint with the program, Billy Gonzales heads the task of equipping variety into the unit. He does so with guidance from head coach Billy Napier, a former wideouts assistant in his own right.

Hawkins is one of the top prospects to accomplish that feat this cycle. As a result, getting him on campus for an all-inclusive, multi-day stay this summer could pay dividends in obtaining his pledge when he decides to shut down his recruitment.

The Gators are currently without a wide receiver commit to serve as a weapon for prized quarterback DJ Lagway in the future, although he'll be flanked in the backfield by a promising running back duo in Chauncey Bowens and Kahnen Daniels.

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