PFF Names Texas' Kelvin Banks Among Top Returning Offensive Tackles
The Texas Longhorns are fortunate enough to have one of the best offensive lines in the country heading into the 2024 season.
And at the most important position along that line, is left tackle, where Kelvin Banks is considered one of the very best in the nation.
The hype surrounding Banks is so good, in fact, that he lands as the number two ranked returning offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus.
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Said PFF:
Like Will Campbell, Banks started for Texas at left tackle as a true freshman in 2022 and instantly excelled as a pass protector. The former five-star recruit allowed pressure on only 3.5% of his true pass sets that year, ranking fifth among Power Five tackles.
The sophomore’s 86.8 pass-blocking grade this past season stands second among returning Power Five tackles, as well. Banks surrendered pressure on just 2.3% of his pass-blocking snaps, which was also second among returning Power Five tackles. He finished 2023 as the sixth-most valuable offensive tackle in the nation, according to PFF's wins above average metric. While not always consistent, Banks showed flashes as a run blocker in 2023. His 12 big-time blocks (PFF’s highest-graded blocks) were second to only Taliese Fuaga among FBS tackles.
Banks has swiftly risen to prominence since his debut season, earning accolades such as second-team All-Big 12 and an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.
His impressive sophomore campaign solidified his status as a top performer, earning him second-team All-America honors and recognition on the All-Big 12 first team.
As a semifinalist for the prestigious Joe Moore Award, Banks continues to make waves in the collegiate football landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the field.