Baylen Buchanan already seeing potential in Jeremy Banks the linebacker: ‘He can hit’
Published:
The Tennessee coaching staff continues to tinker with the thin and depleted roster they inherited on Rocky Top and with only one signing class worth of players signed by Jeremy Pruitt, many players have been forced to cross train over the last 11 months.
The roster movement typically reserved for the offseason around the nation has extended well into the season for the Volunteers with no better example of that than Jeremy Banks’ move from running back to linebacker in mid-October. The true freshman quickly developed into a fan favorite for his aggressive running style but based on the early returns by his teammates, Banks plans to do much of the same in Pruitt’s defense.
During his Monday afternoon media availability, Baylen Buchanan was asked to share his comments on what he’s seen from Banks since moving to the defensive side of the ball. Talk of Banks brought a smile to Buchanan’s face.
“He can hit. He can hit,” Buchanan said. “I remember the first play I seen him (at linebacker), he went in there and hit somebody, just lowered his shoulder. He’s going to be good. He’s coming from offense to defense, he’s going to have to learn the scheme but when he gets it down, he’s going to be a great player.”
The defensive back was then asked a follow-up on Banks and why he believes the freshman will develop into a good linebacker.
“He’s a football player. He has good instincts. I feel like once he gets it down, he’s going to be a problem,” Buchanan answered.
That has to be good news for Vol fans, as the linebacker position has emerged as one of the weakest links on the Tennessee defense this season. Whether that’s a combination of lack of depth, experience or talent, Banks will likely get a shot to prove what he can do on the field on the other side of the ball for the first time this season against Charlotte this weekend.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
