After recording just one reception for 36 yards and a touchdown through four games of the 2024 season, true freshman wide receiver Tank Hawkins got his chance to shine against the Knights as the Gators were down multiple receivers on Saturday night. With Aidan Mizell and Tre Wilson not dressed and Marcus Burke heavily limited due to an injury he suffered during pregame warmups, Hawkins broke out against the Knights.
Hawkins recorded a season and team high seven receptions for 60 yards with a long of 31. The freshman also generated 44 yards after the catch against UCF.
“Tank’s running out there on the first play and he made some plays,” Napier said on Hawkins. “I think he showed that he belongs, so he stepped up in a major way.”
Prior to Florida’s matchup against the Knights, quarterback’s Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway had a feeling that Hawkins was going to make plays on Saturday, and sure enough, they were right.
“Yeah, it was funny, I was in the hotel with DJ and we woke up this morning and I was like I just feel like Tank’s going to make some plays today, man. I don’t know what it is. But, no, I did know,” Mertz said on Hawkins.
With multiple receivers out during the week, Hawkins took the approach you would want to see from a true freshman receiver during practice this past week. The 5’9.5, 176-pound receiver works hard and that was evident on Saturday night.
“He had a great week of prep and I think that’s one thing you see translate to the game, especially in our offense, in any offense, when you go through the week of prep, how do guys go about their business? Are they taking care of their body? Are they executing on their reps when their number is called during the week? Tank did a great job of that and he stepped into that and had a great night.”
Hawkins’ breakout performance on Saturday proved that Florida’s receiver room may be deeper than people think. The Gators have talent and more importantly speed. We will continue to see that as this group returns to full health throughout the next few weeks.
“We got a really talented, really deep receiver group and they do a great job over the week, like I said, prepping. They’re playing fast during the week and when we get those guys back, you think about the Mississippi State game when ten different guys touched the rock. How can we spread the defense out, make them cover every inch of grass on that field. We’re definitely blessed with the receiving core we have,” Mertz said on the receivers. “It’s young, fast, and a bunch of play makers. When all those guys come back, it’ll be great to have them back.”
Tank Hawkins has played in three games this season, meaning he can play in one more game and still utilize his redshirt. However, after his performance in week six, it would be shocking if Napier and his staff don’t plan to use the freshman moving forward.
Great Game, Tank!