Florida’s defense has seen significant improvement over the past season, a trend that has not only contributed to the team’s success on the field but also bolstered their recruiting efforts. A standout feature of this defensive resurgence has been the secondary, which made notable strides in pass defense. The Gators finished the season with 11 interceptions and 45 passes defended, their most in recent years. This improvement helped secure wins in several games and captured the attention of some of the nation’s top defensive prospects, especially at the cornerback and safety positions. Three top-100 defensive backs, Ben Hanks Jr., Hylton Stubbs, and Lagonza Hayward, have signed with the Gators for the 2025 class, signaling a strong future for Florida’s secondary.
Ben Hanks Jr., a versatile defensive back, is one of the top signees in Florida’s 2025 class. Known for his ability to cover a wide range of receivers, Hanks has developed a reputation for being both a ball hawk and a physical presence in the secondary. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ will make him an immediate contributor in Florida’s defensive backfield. Hanks’ commitment to Florida is a sign that the Gators are strengthening their defense, with a particular focus on bolstering their pass coverage unit. His ability to play both cornerback and safety will give defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong flexibility in how he utilizes him.
Hylton Stubbs is another significant addition to the Gators’ defensive backfield. Stubbs brings an elite level of athleticism to the secondary, with a smooth ability to transition between man-to-man and zone coverage. His speed allows him to keep pace with the fastest wide receivers, while his vision and anticipation help him make plays on the ball. Stubbs’ versatility will give Florida the flexibility to use him in different defensive schemes, whether as a cornerback or a nickelback. His presence will not only enhance the Gators’ pass defense but also provide additional depth to a unit that showed great improvement this season.
Lagonza Hayward rounds out the trio of top defensive back signees for the 2025 class. A well-rounded prospect with great ball skills, Hayward is a cornerback with excellent footwork and an instinctual approach to defending passes. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays in the open field will be invaluable to Florida’s secondary. Hayward has the ability to develop into a shutdown corner, and his commitment to the Gators only strengthens an already promising defensive back group.
The Gators’ defense has made impressive strides in recent seasons, and these three top defensive back signees are a reflection of Florida’s upward trajectory. With a secondary that now includes Hanks, Stubbs, and Hayward, the Gators are positioning themselves as a strong contender in the SEC, as well as on the national stage. These recruits will work in tandem with the current defensive players to further elevate Florida’s defensive unit. With a renewed focus on defense and the addition of these elite prospects, Florida is laying the foundation for a dominant and opportunistic secondary for years to come.
