Iconic Miami prep coach compares Ben Hanks Jr. to his dad, the former Gator
HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA — Tim “Ice” Harris, head football coach at Miami Booker T. Washington and a south Florida coaching icon, thinks highly of his 4-star cornerback, Ben Hanks Jr.
“Smooth technique and he’s got great ball skills,” Harris said.
Not to mention, Hanks also has good genes. His father, Ben Hanks Sr., was an excellent player himself. And Harris should know. He was offensive coordinator at Miami Senior High when the elder Hanks played safety and receiver there three decades ago; he later was an all-conference linebacker at Florida.
“He was a real good worker — was a two-way player in high school. He was a guy who never really left the field,” Harris said of Ben Hanks Sr. “That’s the thing we’re gonna do a little bit with Ben (Jr.) this year at (corner and receiver) … to put us in the best position for the team to be successful to win.”
Ben Hanks Jr. is a top-100 national recruit
Hanks, the No. 11 corner and No. 99 overall recruit nationally in the On3 Industry Rankings, is focused on three programs with a commitment decision coming between now and Aug. 16: Florida, Louisville and Miami. Most of our sources think the Gators and ‘Canes are the two to watch.
When asked to identify similar traits between father and son, Harris pointed to one thing.
“The work ethic,” he said. “The best thing I like about (Ben Hanks Jr.) is his work ethic in terms of how he works, how he comes every day to work. And then not just do it vocally, but he leads by example.”
According to Harris, the younger Hanks also has a strong competitive streak. He said that’s something that got the attention of Florida coach Billy Napier.
“When we came to the 7-on-7 camp (at Florida), all the coaches talked about how he’s competitive, how he competed, how he won a lot of reps,” Harris said. “He’s not a guy that would go one time and you’re not going to see him again. He continues to get those reps. That’s what (Napier) talked about what he loved about Ben — he loves to compete.”
Younger Hanks poised for a great college career
Harris has coached dozens of major college players. Many have gone on to play in the NFL. In Ben Hanks Jr., Harris sees an SEC-type talent.
“Oh, most definitely,” Harris said. “With his ability to compete, you can put him in any conference and he can be an elite player.”
That said, there is room for improvement in Hanks’ game.
“Making sure of the details. All the little things,” Harris said. “Where your eyes are at, moving your feet, your hands. And those are things he’s working on. And we’ve got young coaches that played at Purdue and FIU. Those are our secondary coaches.”
Since Harris now has coached Ben Hanks Sr. and Ben Hanks Jr, the question is this: Which one has more talent at this age?
“Dad was pretty good, athletically — offensively and defensively,” Harris said. “I’m just gonna level it off with a tie.”
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