5-star offensive tackle Kelvin Banks say he is 'solid' with Oregon pledge

Humble (Texas) Summer Creek offensive tackle Kelvin Banks has received a heavy onslaught of attention from Texas and Texas A&M this fall. But the Oregon pledge says he remains committed to the Ducks, despite the interest from both local programs.

Banks told OregonLive on Thursday that he is “solid” with Oregon and plans to sign during the early period that opens December 15.

“I’m solid with Oregon and (ready) to sign,” Banks said.

Banks is the No. 14 prospect in the 2022 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 4 prospect in the state of Texas.

Banks took official visits to Oregon, LSU, Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State this summer. And he has returned to both Texas and Texas A&M for unofficial visits this fall. The Aggies have pushed hard for his commitment, but he’s remained steadfast with Oregon.

On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons wrote yesterday that both will push for him until signing day.

“Neither in-state school is expected to down without a fight,” Simmons wrote, “but the Ducks are still in a good position two weeks out.”

Kelvin Banks feels at home with Oregon

Despite being more than 2,000 miles from his actual home, Banks says that Oregon feels like the place he is supposed to be.

“People always say it’s far from home, but my parents always say that if it’s what you got to do, you do it,” Banks told On3’s Gerry Hamilton. “Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. The coaches, the people around the players, the city and everything felt like home for me. The genuine nature of the coaches, and the aggressive play style. The coaches and people that are going to be around me for my four years. It felt right.” 

Anchored by Banks, the Ducks have the nation’s No. 10 recruiting class, according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings. Joining him are four-star wideout Tetairoa McMillan, four-star athlete Jalil Tucker, and four-star cornerback Jahlil Florence, among others.