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You won't find many people who think more highly of Kelvin Banks Jr. than his head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Texas Longhorns coach spoke with Saints media after the team picked his left tackle at No. 9 overall in the 2025 NFL draft, and he gave the rookie a glowing review.
"I think Kelvin's your perfect Longhorn," Sarkisian began. "I've said this all along, I would tell any player coming into our program, if you want to be great, be like Kelvin Banks. His demeanor, his work ethic, his drive, his attention to detail, his ability to remain consistent in his approach on and off the field, it all shows in his play."
Sarkisian spun the clock back to Banks' freshman year for an example of what he brings to the table. He pointed to a 2022 game with the Alabama Crimson Tide as the lineman's first big test, which he passed with flying colors.
"He's a high-level player who obviously has all the measurables that the NFL is looking for in a great left tackle, and he started there for us from the day he arrived as a freshman. In just his second career start, he had to block Will Anderson and Dallas Turner as a true freshman and didn't flinch," Sarkisian added. Pro Football Focus charting found he allowed just one pressure, a non-contact hurry, on 45 snaps in pass protection. His 74 total reps in that game were the second-most of his freshman year. And he was not penalized. Anderson was drafted third overall in 2023 while Turner was picked 17th a year later.
Sarkisian finished by complimenting Banks' reliability and work ethic: "You can absolutely count on him. He was there every day and showed up with a constant level of consistency -- who he was some of the time was who he was all of the time. When you can couple that with the skill set, the measurables and knowing that he's still only played three years of college football, he is an absolute no-brainer of a first-round pick. He's accomplished so much, but his best days are still ahead of him and New Orleans is so fortunate to have him."
None of this praise is new, by the way. Sarkisian dismissed criticism on Banks' falling draft stock just a few days ago. He's been beating the drum for his former player all spring and he's clearly excited to see Banks turning pro. We're guessing he'll be keeping close tabs on where Banks' career goes from here.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian reacts to Saints drafting Kelvin Banks Jr.
Continue reading...
"I think Kelvin's your perfect Longhorn," Sarkisian began. "I've said this all along, I would tell any player coming into our program, if you want to be great, be like Kelvin Banks. His demeanor, his work ethic, his drive, his attention to detail, his ability to remain consistent in his approach on and off the field, it all shows in his play."
Sarkisian spun the clock back to Banks' freshman year for an example of what he brings to the table. He pointed to a 2022 game with the Alabama Crimson Tide as the lineman's first big test, which he passed with flying colors.
"He's a high-level player who obviously has all the measurables that the NFL is looking for in a great left tackle, and he started there for us from the day he arrived as a freshman. In just his second career start, he had to block Will Anderson and Dallas Turner as a true freshman and didn't flinch," Sarkisian added. Pro Football Focus charting found he allowed just one pressure, a non-contact hurry, on 45 snaps in pass protection. His 74 total reps in that game were the second-most of his freshman year. And he was not penalized. Anderson was drafted third overall in 2023 while Turner was picked 17th a year later.
Sarkisian finished by complimenting Banks' reliability and work ethic: "You can absolutely count on him. He was there every day and showed up with a constant level of consistency -- who he was some of the time was who he was all of the time. When you can couple that with the skill set, the measurables and knowing that he's still only played three years of college football, he is an absolute no-brainer of a first-round pick. He's accomplished so much, but his best days are still ahead of him and New Orleans is so fortunate to have him."
None of this praise is new, by the way. Sarkisian dismissed criticism on Banks' falling draft stock just a few days ago. He's been beating the drum for his former player all spring and he's clearly excited to see Banks turning pro. We're guessing he'll be keeping close tabs on where Banks' career goes from here.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian reacts to Saints drafting Kelvin Banks Jr.
Continue reading...
