4-star WR Jerrae Hawkins says Florida Gators QB commit DJ Lagway ‘can definitely throw the ball’

Jerrae Hawkins has visited the Florida Gators just once, but that was enough to help make them a top contender with the 4-star receiver from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy.

“The one time I was there, I had a great time, honestly,” Hawkins told Gators Online.

Hawkins, the No. 32 receiver nationally in the On3 Industry, put out a top six this spring of Florida, Louisville, Miami, Penn State, West Virginia and Wisconsin. But he recently told On3 that two programs stood out from the pack: Florida and Penn State.

Hawkins has three official visits set.

West Virginia: June 2-4; Florida: June 9-11; Penn State: June 23-25.

Additionally, he said he’s trying to schedule one with Miami.

Hawkins said he expects the Gators to visit his school in the near future and called his interest in Florida “high.”

He took in a spring practice when he visited the Gators and liked what he saw — and heard from the staff. 

Hawkins said a “big reason” Florida is contending is because “the head coach (Billy Napier) is a big wide receiver guy. That kind of gives them a plus. Just how the plays are and how they want freshmen to get on the field early.”

Thus far, he has built a good relationship with receivers coach Billy Gonzales.

“We were on the phone the other day,” Hawkins said. “It’s just regular conversation and he talks about how he wants me there. Things like that. He’s a nice coach. I like him. We were in the meeting room breaking down the plays and how I could be used in the offense there and I liked it. They get their players out in space a lot.”

That Florida has 5-star quarterback DJ Lagway committed is another “big plus,” per Hawkins.

“I’ve seen a couple things and he can definitely throw the ball,” Hawkins said. 

To Hawkins, his official visits will be significant.

At Florida, “I just want to get around the place a little more. I’ve only been once. ..I feel like I really need (the officials).”

A commitment decision could come late summer or early during his season.

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