Tennessee Official Visitor Capsule: Travaris Banks
Official visits are starting to heat up as we move through June. This month is hugely important for Tennessee and other schools with big-time football programs. One recruit coming to Knoxville this weekend is safety Travaris Banks. Banks is a four-star in the class of 2024, and Knoxville will be nothing new to him. He has visited on multiple occasions, including just a few months ago on April 1.
He received an offer from Tennessee in September of 2022 and also has offers from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M. The defensive back from Tuscaloosa was offered early by the local Crimson Tide. Still, Mississippi State is also considered a big threat to land him. In 2022, Banks saw plenty of action on both sides of the ball, but his future lies at defensive back, specifically at safety. He totaled 42 tackles and six passes broken up as a junior. Offensively, he had over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns.
Prospect: Travaris Banks
Projected Position: Safety
Vitals: 6-1.5 and 195 pounds
School: Hillcrest High School (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
Frame: Banks has good height and weight for the secondary. Once he knows his permanent position, he may change his weight a bit, adding some weight as a safety (his expected position) or cutting a bit as a corner. Either way, he is in a good spot to play at either spot.
Athleticism: He has speed and quickness. These are not the same thing, and some players only have one of the two. He can run long distances with great effectiveness but can also change directions with quick movements to tackle the ball carrier or close on the football. As a receiver or running back, he uses the skills he possesses to tackle ball carriers to avoid tacklers when he himself has the rock. He just can play and knows how to play the game regardless of position or even side of the ball.
Instincts: Banks’ football instincts may be his best trait. He has a nose for the football and does not shy away from contact. He reads kick returns and run plays extremely well, and as a defensive back, he possesses a strong ability to read and react in the pass game, too. No matter where he lines up, he gets to the ball and is someone you want on your defense.
Polish: Banks looks very ready for the next level. He thinks a step ahead of his opponents on Fridays, which is a great recipe for success on Saturdays. He will likely need a bit more specialization for his permanent position, but he has a strong base at many spots, and coaches could choose for that versatility to continue in college.
Bottom Line: Travaris Banks has the “it” factor. He is flying around the field, making play after play because of his advanced thinking and physical abilities. Getting a player from Tuscaloosa to come to Tennessee is no easier task. Still, if the Volunteers can secure him with the help of a great official visit this weekend, there may be no sweeter recruiting success than landing Banks.
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