Florida Gators fans didn't get to see a ton of wide receiver Tank Hawkins in 2024. The speedy wide receiver had ten catches for 100 yards and a touchdown for the Gators in 2024 across seven games.
But if his newest video from the weight room is any indication, Hawkins has been putting in the work this offseason and is ready to show he has power to go with his speed.
Tank Hawkins has grown man strength
In a video posted to social media, Hawkins was seen in the Gator weight room bench pressing 315 pounds.
— Jerrae “Tank” Hawkins Jr 💫 (@Tankk_1k) July 21, 2025
Now, compared to other wide receivers around the country, that may not be the most insane accomplishment, but keep in mind that Hawkins is listed at just 170 pounds, and power isn't considered his calling card.
As a junior in high school, Hawkins ran 10.37 seconds in the 100-meter dash, and had he focused solely on track and field, there was a real pathway he could have been a member of Florida's 4x100 squad under Mike Holloway.
2025 is set up to be an interesting year for Hawkins. During the spring, he was in the mix to be one of Florida's returners, and he probably continued to get looks throughout fall camp.
In terms of wide receiver rotation, he isn't projected to be a starter, but there are definitely combinations and formations that could get him on the field.
One of the reasons why Gator fans clamor for four and five-wide receiver looks compared to the two-tight-end sets that Billy Napier prefers to use is because of players like Hawkins.
Just as a hypothetical, Florida could roll out a five-wide receiver set with Tre Wilson, Dallas Wilson, J. Michael Sturdivant, Aidan Mizell, and Hawkins and basically dare defenses to keep up.
Mind you, that look doesn't even factor in Vernell Brown or TJ Abrams.
While the wide receiver room still has to showcase actual production and the floor is lower than some want to admit, part of the reason why the ceiling is also high is because Florida's 10.37 man can also bench press 315 pounds.