Interview: 2017 Breakout Season a Sure Thing for 2018 Tennessee RB Jeremy Banks

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The table was set during the 2016 season for junior running back Jeremy Banks all that is left is for the big back to eat next season. After talking to Banks, one gets the idea quickly that his breakout season is all but in the bag next year.

Banks has all the attributes of a top Division-I running back. Listed at 6-2, 208 pounds, the Memphis area talent combines speed, power, and size. His stat line was limited in 2016 splitting snaps with senior running back Harold Lacy, but enough was shown to warrant a double-take. The rising Cordova High School star carried the rock 140 times for 815 yards with 16 touchdowns. He even got a couple of passes thrown his way pulling in two for an additional 32 yards.

Cordova had an outstanding season posting a 12-2 record losing in the 6A semifinal round to eventual Tennessee state champs Whitehaven. With Banks back for his senior year, Wolves head coach Anthony Jones Jr. may have another title contender on his hands in 2017.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the under the radar talent to get an overview on his season along with an update on his growing recruiting status.

Interview

Jeremy, where did you play football during your sophomore season?

“I was at Mound Bayou (MS) during my sophomore season. I played at Cordova my freshman year but had to move my sophomore year because of a family illness. I only played baseball last season.”

Are you a good baseball player?

“I’m awesome at baseball. I’m a great baseball player.”

Which positions do you play on the diamond?

“Back catcher, centerfield, shortstop – I’m an athlete, I can play anywhere.”

During your freshman season with Cordova, did you play freshman ball and JV only or did you get some time up on the varsity level?

“I played freshman and JV but started at the varsity level on special teams. I got one carry my freshman year in varsity. It was a 17 yard run. We had a lot of seniors on the team then.”

How did your snaps with Harold Lacy (160 carries, 838 yards, 16 touchdowns) work out during the season?

“He was getting the ball at the beginning then I started getting the ball more towards the end. The coaches saw that I was running hard and kept giving me opportunities.”

How did your game get better over the course of the 2016 season?

“I worked hard, had dedication, and prayed to God every night. I worked hard in the weight room and prayed for strength. I work every day. I worked away from the coaches and with the coaches, and by myself. God motivated me to work hard this year.”

What are the things you feel you do best on the field as a running back?

“I’m a power runner, an uphill runner. I run hard. I am a great blocker and I’m a good pass blocker. I’m strong and I hit the hole hard. I’m explosive, I don’t think twice on hitting the hole.”

What are you going to work on in the off-season?

“I’m going to work on my footwork and vision. I’m going to work on my lower and upper body in the weight room. One of my motivations is to help them the younger guys and be a great leader this year.”

Which game was your best this season and why is that game your best?

“I think Collierville game. They had us for their homecoming. I got a high ankle sprain, but before that I had two touchdowns on 14 carries and I think I had 120-something yards (won 41-14). I think that was my best. My first game this season was against East High School (won 27-13). I had three touchdowns in that game. Coach kept giving me the ball and I put it in the end zone. Against Bartlett, I had nine carries, 100-something yards, and two touchdowns (won 48-0).”

Lots of good games there. Which schools are showing early recruiting interest in you?

“Memphis, Wisconsin has called about me, and Kentucky. I talk to Memphis’ running back coach (Darrell Dickey) just about every day.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I have taken one to Memphis.”

Was that a good visit for you?

“It was great. I sat down and talked to their head coach (Mike Norvell) and all the other coaches too. They talked to all the recruits. We met some of the guys on the team and then went on the field watching their pre-game warmups. After that we watched them get the victory (vs. Houston won 48-44 on Nov. 25).”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.3.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I take the ACT on Saturday at 8:00. I think I take it again in February.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

Are you participating in any spring sports other than baseball?

“I will run track.”

Which college football teams do you have in the championship game this year?

“Alabama. I think they are the No. 1 team this year.”

Jeremy, thanks for your time today and good luck on your ACT this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: The Commercial Appeal; No. 32 Jeremy Banks runs through a defender.

Photo credits: Bill Kabel Photography; No. 32 Jeremy Banks in action.