Latest news with #DefensiveLinemanoftheWeek
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida football DL Caleb Banks named to Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
Florida football DL Caleb Banks named to Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List Florida football defensive lineman Caleb Banks has been named to the 2024 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, an honor that recognizes the nation's top defensive player who excels both on and off the field. Banks, a redshirt senior from Detroit, Michigan, is one of 42 student-athletes nationwide selected by the Lott IMPACT Trophy Board of Directors for consideration. The award–named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott–spotlights players who demonstrate Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. The Lott IMPACT Trophy winner will be announced in December during a nationally televised ceremony in Newport Beach, California. After transferring to the Florida Gators in 2023, Banks quickly became a force on the Gators' defensive line. In the 2024 season, he recorded 21 total tackles, including seven for loss and 4.5 sacks. Banks' disruptive presence up front earned him SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors following a dominant performance against the Ole Miss Rebels, where he notched 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also forced and recovered a fumble in Florida's win over the LSU Tigers, finishing the game with a career-high 64 snaps and the top PFF grade of his season. Off the field, Banks is a two-time member of the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll, underscoring his commitment in the classroom. His leadership, both vocally and by example, has made him a foundational piece of the Gators' defensive identity entering the 2025 season. Originally from Southfield A&T High School in Michigan, Banks joined the Orange and Blue after two seasons with the Louisville Cardinals. He is expected to play a significant role for Florida's defensive front this fall as the Gators look to make some noise in the SEC. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
01-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
SI projects Florida football DL Caleb Banks as a first-round pick in 2026 NFL mock draft
SI projects Florida football DL Caleb Banks as a first-round pick in 2026 NFL mock draft It is that time of year when it seems like everyone and their mother are releasing their mocks of the 2026 NFL draft — less than a week after the conclusion of the 2025 edition. Among those casting their dice on an event almost a full calendar year away is Sports Illustrated's Bryan Fischer, whose way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft included one member of the Orange and Blue. That player is defensive lineman Caleb Banks, who spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Louisville Cardinals before transferring to Gainesville for the past pair of campaigns. Funny enough, Fischer projects Banks to be selected with the 17th pick by the Arizona Cardinals next April. "Banks flashed down the stretch last season and with some further polish could turn into a realistic option in the first round, given his size and excellent quickness," he notes. "Pairing him alongside Walter Nolen III could form quite the tandem for the Cardinals." Caleb Banks' 2024 stats with Florida The 6-foot-6-inch, 329-pound rising redshirt senior out of Detroit, Michigan, played in 12 games — making 10 starts — in 2024, recording 21 total tackles, 10 of which were solo. That includes seven tackles for a loss (4.5 as sacks) along with two forced fumbles and a recovered fumble, giving him a 73.0 overall grade on defense, according to PFF. Banks's efforts also earned him the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week award after Florida's Week 13 win over the Ole Miss Rebels. Off the field, he was named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in both his seasons as a Gator. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
