ESPN names Florida CB Ben Hanks III a 2026 breakout candidate

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ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg named Florida cornerback Ben Hanks III among 51 sleeper players who could break out this season.

Hanks played in only three games last season, but he flashed enough to become a projected starter and a breakout candidate. Over those three games, Hanks had eight tackles, two pass breakups and one interception. Both breakups and the pick came against Florida State, when Hanks made his first career start. He returned the interception 48 yards.

“He could be a guy that we all look up, and at the end of the year, if he stays the course, has a really good year," head coach Jon Sumrall said.

Hanks, the son of former Florida linebacker Ben Hanks Jr., has all the traits coaches like to see in a young defensive back: length, speed, competitive nature, work ethic and a football bloodline. As a high school senior, he set the Miami-Dade County record for interceptions in a season with 13 at Booker T. Washington High.

He's far from an under-the-radar recruit, and his sleeper status comes from a lack of college snaps rather than a lack of talent. That Florida State game offered a glimpse into Hanks' future, and now he's poised to show off his playmaking ability across a full season.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ESPN names Florida CB Ben Hanks III a 2026 breakout candidate

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