Longhorns' Xavier Worthy, Kelvin Banks Jr. Named Preseason All-Americans
The Texas Longhorns had two players named Preseason All-Americans Monday.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. both earned second team honors on the Associated Press' All-America Team. This is Worthy's second-consecutive season and Banks' first being a AP Preseason All-America selection.
Last season, Worthy's dynamic play-making abilities vaulted him into the top 20 for touchdown receptions, hauling in nine on the year. The Fresno, California, native caught 60 passes for 760 yards on the year, earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors.
In his two seasons in Austin, Worthy has brought in 122 passes for 1,741 yards and 21 touchdowns. The 2023 Blietnikoff Award Watch List honoree is 127 catches, 2,126 yards and 16 touchdowns away from each individual program receiving record.
While those statistical goals are lofty, especially considering the other pass-catching options in the Longhorns' offense, Worthy has the potential to take a leap to national acclaim with the further development of quarterback Quinn Ewers.
None of Ewers or Worthy's successes happen without Banks protecting the Texas quarterback's blindside.
At 6-4, 324 pounds, Banks was a wall his freshman season on the Forty Acres, allowing two sacks in 456 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. His last four games last season, Banks did not allow a pressure on the quarterback, according to PFF.
Banks was named a Second Team All-Big 12 selection in 2022, compiling Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award preseason watch list nominations ahead of 2023.
You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419
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