Fall Camp and Recruiting Update Interview with 4-Star 2020 California OLB Jordan Banks
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Being a high school football/college football recruiting enthusiast, there are a couple of hundred players I am excited to see play, or would love to see play, during the 2018 season – and Jordan Banks is one of them. Banks surpassed all expectations during his sophomore season with a breakout campaign and is further putting his skillset to the test suiting up with Narbonne High School this year.
Banks proved to be the hybrid defensive end/outside and inside linebacker college coaches love during the 2017 season. Primarily playing in a three-point stance, Banks compiled a ridiculous stat line of 71 tackles, 39 solo, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and scared the daylights out of a quarterback 19 times forcing a hurried pass. Adding to his impressive resume, the 6-3, 245-pound, athlete rushed three times for 21 yards with a score and even pulled in two passes for another 22 yards. All the hard work helped Grace Brethren to a 13-3 record with a run to the stat title game.
As one might guess, the college coaches have come to the Los Angeles area gridirons to watch Banks work. To date, Banks has eight offers coming from Auburn, Alabama, Utah, San Jose State, Arizona, Florida, Arizona State, and Tennessee. For those coaches, and fans alike, unfamiliar with his style of play, in the best way possible he is a throwback linebacker. His play recognition is off the charts, he is an intimidating hard-hitting backer, and has a motor that does not stop.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive, I sat down with the Class of 2020 four-star recruit getting an update on his offseason workouts, fall camp, and his recruiting process.
Interview
Jordan, I love the motor you play with on the field coming off the end. When the 2017 season had ended, what did you consider the strengths of your overall game?
“To be honest, I have always had a big motor. I worked on getting faster, stronger, and doing what I need to before the season. My play recognition is a strength, and I love to hit – I hit hard. One of my strengths is people underestimating my speed and versatility.”
What did you focus on improving with your skillset this offseason?
“Last season I focused on staying low. You can never have enough energy on the field. This offseason I worked on hand-placement and new moves. I worked with my defensive line coach a lot on technique and new moves.”
Did you max out this summer?
“No. My last max on bench was 275 and my squat was 365.”
In the offseason, you made the move from Grace Brethren to Narbonne, how has the transfer gone for you on the field?
“It is going great. I love the vibe at Narbonne. I love how they do things, how they run practice, and how they take care of their players. Everything is going well at Narbonne for me.”
When did Narbonne start fall camp?
“We started fall camp two weeks ago.”
How are practices going?
“They are going great. There is a lot of intensity at each practice. I love it.”
How is the team looking?
“We are looking great. I believe if we do what we need to do, the team will go back to a championship game.”
You played with your hand down in the dirt a lot last season and some standing up, where all might we see you on the field in 2018?
“You will see me standing up at linebacker, but you will also see me as a stand-up at end. It depends on the scheme or play we are running and the team we are going against.”
You also moonlighted on offense last year getting some carries and having some passes thrown your way, will we see that from you again this year with Narbonne?
“To be honest, I don’t know yet. They know I am a play-maker. If there is a time for me to shine on offense, I will be there for my team and my coaches.”
Did you attend any college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I went to all the USC camps and a UCLA camp.”
Of all the camps, which did you turn in your best performance?
(Laughs) “Well, I was MVP at linebacker at a USC camp and I also got MVP at the UCLA for linebacker.”
So, all the camps were your best then?
(Laughs) “Yes, sir. I guess you could say that.”
You blew up on the recruiting trail this spring and summer, how many offers do you have now?
“I have eight offers.”
Which programs were the last three to offer?
“My latest offers were from Bama (Alabama), ASU (Arizona State), and Tennessee.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Oregon and Clemson.”
Do you have any unofficial visits planned for this fall?
“I am planning on going to Tuscaloosa for the Auburn verses Alabama game (Nov. 24). I am trying to set that up. I am trying to see if I have time for that this season.”
Back to football. The Gauchos have an incredibly challenging 2018 schedule. The cool thing though, you guys open on the road against St. Louis in Aloha Stadium (HI). What will that game be like for you giving you a taste of college football playing a faraway road game in a big-time stadium?
“It is a blessing for me to have an opportunity to go to Hawaii, to play against St. Louis, and get to play in Aloha Stadium. They are a great team. It will be a great game.”
Are there any other games on the schedule, besides the opener, you have circled as a big game?
“Yes, sir. Centennial, Lawndale, Long Beach Poly, and Serra; those are the games I cannot wait for this year.”
Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of fall camp.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Banks family; Jordan Banks at Alabama and UCLA