NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kelvin Banks, the standout unanimous All-American junior left tackle for the Texas Longhorns, is heading to the NFL Draft after a stellar collegiate career that included two consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Known for his dominance on the offensive line, Banks started and played in 42 games during his time at Texas.
In 2024, Banks’s achievements earned him national recognition. He was named the Lombardi Award winner, honoring the nation’s best lineman, and claimed the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the top interior lineman in college football. Banks also played a key role in Texas being named a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which recognizes the best offensive line unit in the nation.
Banks’s stellar play in the 2024 campaign included earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors twice (September 30 and October 14) and being named the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week on October 15. His consistency and leadership on the line were pivotal in Texas’s success, even as he missed the SEC Championship due to injury.
Despite the setback, Banks’s impact was felt throughout the season. He anchored a line that allowed two Texas running backs to surpass 100 rushing yards in a game while helping the Longhorns amass 292 rushing yards and 202 passing yards in key matchups. His return in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl CFP Quarterfinal was a game-changer, as Texas defeated Arizona State 38-28. Banks provided protection that allowed QB Quinn Ewers to throw for a season-high 322 yards and three touchdowns, as the offense averaged 6.2 yards per play.
Banks is projected to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, according to the latest USA TODAY projections, and is expected to be a top-10 pick.
This article…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-longhorns-lt-kelvin-banks-000051094.html
Author : Longhorns Wire
Publish date : 2025-01-13 00:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
