Dallas Wilson and Ben Hanks III earn spots on Shaun Alexander Watch List with Florida

Florida football has two freshmen on the Shaun Alexander Watch List, a preseason recognition that places Dallas Wilson and Ben Hanks III among players being tracked for standout performances this season. Wilson is listed as a wide receiver, and Hanks III is a cornerback. Both are identified in the announcement as freshmen who are redshirting at the start of the 2026 campaign.

The pairing is notable because it reflects an emphasis on developing young talent rather than relying solely on established contributors. In Florida’s case, the watch list spots cover different roles, with Wilson representing the passing game and Hanks III bringing coverage responsibilities to the defensive side.

Shaun Alexander, the NFL and college standout whose name is used for the watch list, is best known as a running back, but the watch list itself is applied to a broader set of college impact players. In this instance, the list highlights Wilson’s receiving profile and Hanks III’s defensive development rather than focusing only on one position group for evaluation.

For the Gators, the recognition functions as an early marker of what the coaching staff hopes to see as the season approaches its most meaningful stretch. Because both players are described as redshirt freshmen, the immediate question is how Florida’s depth chart and game-to-game planning will position them once they are eligible to contribute during the year.

Wilson’s inclusion points to Florida’s continued interest in young wide receiver talent, with preseason attention landing on a player who is not expected to start the year in a traditional redshirt-only role. Hanks III’s selection similarly suggests the coaching staff views his cornerback development as advanced enough to merit national monitoring even while he begins the season in a redshirt status.

Neither the Yahoo report nor the provided details specify statistical benchmarks, game results, or other on-field outcomes tied to the award list. What can be said, based on the announcement, is that Florida’s freshmen are being singled out by name as players to watch as the season develops.