Texas Longhorns left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. becomes the program’s first offensive lineman to win the Lombardi Trophy.
Other Longhorns have previously won the award, the last being Brian Orakpo in 2008, but Banks is the first in his position to receive the award. The Lombardi Award is given to “the college football player who best embodies the values and spirit of legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi.”
Even before his junior season began, Banks was praised by his coaches and teammates.
“I think he represents us at the highest level,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said in August. “Along with that, he’s a great football player and very calm on the field. Some might say he’s reserved, but I’ve seen firsthand that he’s not. He plays physical, he plays violently.”
Banks started 10 games this season and was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice, on September 30th and October 14th. He was named to the All-Big 12 first team as a sophomore and was named to the 2024 preseason All-First Team. Ahead of Texas’ first SEC appearance, the Associated Press, CBS Sports, ESPN, Sporting News and The Athletic reported in American editions.
The offensive lineman led Texas to 545 yards of total offense in the season opener against Colorado State and had 562 yards of offense in the home game against Florida State, including 352 through the air and 210 on the ground. Banks led the blocking offense and gained 392 yards against Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Banks is expected to be selected in the NFL Draft.
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