Recruit Snapshot: Jerrae Hawkins
If you are reading this, Jerrae “Tank” Hawkins is faster than you. Don’t feel bad, because the IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) receiver is faster than most high school players in the country. Currently committed to the Florida Gators, Hawkins is going to be faster than most players at the next level too. So we are clear, Hawkins is not just track fast, his blistering speed translates to pads and game speed. He proved that against Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, TN).
Wasting No Time
Hawkins doesn’t just run fast, he also apparently makes an impact fast too. Hawkins played his Junior campaign at Wheeling Park High School (Wheeling, WV). It was there that Your High School Sports was able to see Hawkins and Co. face off against University High (Morgantown, WV). You can see our article and Jerrae’s Interview from that game at yourhighschoolsports.com. There, Hawkins showcased his incredible athleticism and physical talent in route to a big win.
The off-season saw Hawkins transfer to IMG, and he fit right in at the perennial powerhouse. Hawkins earned a starting role at one wide receiver spot for the Ascenders, and it took him all of one catch to prove to the coaches they had made the correct decision. On his first catch for IMG, Hawkins caught a 30 yard post that he promptly turned into an 80 yard score, the first TD of IMG’s season.
Noticeable Development
The benefit to seeing players multiple years is that their level of development is often clear on the second visit. Hawkins is never going to be a big bodied receiver, but last season there was real concern with how slight his frame was. Hawkins has added visible muscle mass this off season, which addresses the biggest concern he had from last year. That added muscle mass also helps him in his blocking and breaking tackles with the ball in his hand. Hawkins has also taken a step forward in his route running from last year. The dedication to his craft is evident in the physical improvements Hawkins has made, and they reflect an attitude that should make IMG and Florida fans excited.
You Better Not Miss
There are many important aspects to Jerrae Hawkins when you see him in person or on film. The first is his incredible speed. Hawkins has the ability to score on every, single play he touches the ball. One missed tackle, one blown assignment, one bad angle, if Hawkins gets to the open field, it is six points. The list of players that even have a chance of catching Hawkins are probably able to be listed on one hand. The other part of his game that make Hawkins lethal is his quickness. Hawkins is the kind of athlete that could keep you from laying a hand on him in a phone booth. We are talking about stop on a dime and give you a nickel change quickness. Hawkins accelerates like he is fired out of a cannon , but he can stop cold, change directions, and get back to full speed all in two steps. Hawkins is one of the most dangerous players in space we have ever covered.
Create A Player
Jerrae Hawkins regularly make plays that look like a video game. He makes some that look like cheat codes are turned on. He has all the tools to be an ideal speed receiver if he was a custom player in a game.
- SPEED
- Elite change of direction.
- One of the most difficult players to tackle in space in the country
- SPEED
- Surprising strength from a smaller receiver.
- Willing blocker in the run game.
- Good looking routes and an elite release off the line.
- SPEED
- Absolutely lethal kick and punt returner. Able to flip the field or score on any kick he gets a shot to return.
- Comfort adjusting to new systems.
- Did we mention he is really fast?
Billy Napier and the Gators had some struggles offensively last season, lacking explosive playmakers on the outside. Hawkins supplies the Gators with an athlete drawing comparisons to Gator great Percy Harvin and legendary Kansas City Chiefs kick returner Dante Hall. In an offense that wants to be explosive and push the ball down the field, Hawkins should transition to making plays in Gainesville as quickly as he did coming to IMG.
