'Show What I Can Really Do!' Ole Miss Rebels DB Yam Banks Excited For First Season in SEC

Ex-South Alabama defensive back Yam Banks is ready to make a statement in his first season with the Ole Miss Rebels.

Tennessee wide receiver Ramel Keyton (80) is approached South Alabama safety Yam Banks (15) ** South / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA

OXFORD, Miss. – After spending the last four years playing in the Sun Belt Conference, former South Alabama Jaguars safety Yam Banks is preparing for his first season with the Ole Miss Rebels in 2024.

Banks had a productive career as a Jaguar, recording 147 total tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one touchdown playing both safety and cornerback.

On Thursday, Banks was available to speak with the local Oxford media for the first time since arriving at Ole Miss and explained why he decided to transfer to the Sip.

“Just the feeling of coming to a winning culture and playing for a great program,” Banks told reporters. “[Ole Miss] has all the tools for me.”

The Ridgeland, Miss., native also expressed that coming home certainly played a role in his decision.

“[Ole Miss] is not too far from Jackson, where I’m from, so that was kind of a big part as well,” Banks said.

Banks is relatively new to the speed of the Southeastern Conference, but he is using every practice as an opportunity to find his role and comfort in Pete Golding’s scheme.

“I’m loving the defense,” Banks said. “Trying to learn different positions and play everywhere in the secondary. I’m just trying to make myself uncomfortable – learning new plays faster and quicker.”

As mentioned above, Banks has experience at cornerback and safety. Fortunately for the 6-foot-1, 210-pound defensive back, Golding’s defense covets versatility.

“[Playing both positions in the secondary] is not a problem at all,” Banks said. “I’m very versatile with my size and how fast I am. I’m ready to show what I can really do in the SEC.”

Fans will get a chance to see Banks and the other Ole Miss newcomers on Saturday during the 2024 Grove Bowl Games. The event will start at 3 p.m. CT and gates open at 2 p.m. in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.