Florida Gators Recruiting: Update On Four-Star Recruit Fred Hansard

Four-star recruit Fred Hansard recently visited the University of Florida. Find out how he feels about potentially playing for the Florida Gators in 2017.

The University of Florida is approaching a turning point in the resurrection of the football program. The Florida Gators are a win away from clinching the SEC East and the coaching staff is closing in on a vital period in the recruiting process.

As rival schools continue to land top recruits, the Gators are now in the process of securing the services of one of their top targets.

One of the most high-profile players whom the Gators have recruited for 2017 is defensive tackle Fred Hansard. A member of the ESPN 300, Hansard has the potential to be a true anchor along the defensive line.

According to Andrew Spivey of Gator Country, Hansard recently visited Penn State, but remains 100 percent committed to Florida after a visit to Gainesville that, “Blew [him] away.”

"“It was good, I got to go see the coaches and stuff,” he said of his recent visit to Penn State. “But right now, I’m 100 percent to Florida. After this visit, I feel like I’m in good shape with (Florida) and this visit blew me away.”"

That’s a promising sign.

Most of Florida’s recruiting class was in Gainesville on Saturday, November 12 for the Gators’ 20-7 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Senior Day. It was a dominant showing by a defense that features a number of young players.

Hansard publicly commented on the performance by starting quarterback Austin Appleby.

The fact that Florida’s coaching staff isn’t afraid to play underclassmen has influenced Hansard’s thought process and decision making.

Hansard is a 6’3″ and 305-pound Goliath of a defensive tackle who has the tools to start in the SEC. He’s ranked No. 143 overall on the ESPN 300 and is a four-star recruit on ESPN, Rivals, Scout, and 247Sports.

When asked what has him sold on playing for the Gators, Hansard explained that it’s the opportunity to earn playing time for reasons other than experience.

"“If I come in here and work my butt off, I’ll have the opportunity to get a lot of playing time,” Hansard said of Rumph’s message to him. “He said to show these guys I can play with them.”"

The fact that Hansard is embracing that challenge is a sign that he’s the type of individual whom the Gators should be targeting.

Hansard is a physical player who has violent hands and a mean streak that enables him to power through and create penetration. He’ll take up space with his thick frame and has the potential to command multiple blockers.

It’s that type of presence—see: Caleb Brantley, Dominique Easley, and so forth—that has been instrumental in Florida earning its elite reputation on defense.

Hansard could be the next in line.

Though Hansard is excited to play for Florida, the possibility always exists that he could leave. Penn State has a respected head coach in James Franklin and an on-field history that can hold its own against any program in the country.

It’s also worth noting that Hansard may still take an official visit to Penn State, albeit with the knowledge that he’s coming back to Gainesville in January with a number of his fellow commits.

"“I might go up there [Penn State] for an official and I’m going to talk to my parents,” Hansard said of officials. “I’m definitely coming here [Florida] in early January. I know a lot of players coming down, the commits so it’s going to be a great time.”"

Florida appears to be in control of its own destiny with Hansard, but nothing is guaranteed.

The strength of Florida’s recruiting class currently resides with Hansard and four-star defensive end Zachary Carter. It’s landed other high-quality recruits, but it’s that duo that could anchor the Gators’ defensive line for years to come.

Locking Hansard up is a top priority, as it should be.

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Fortunately for the Gators, he appears to be, “100 percent,” committed to playing in Gainesville next season.