Kelvin Banks named to Outland Trophy watch list
Texas sophomore offensive lineman Kelvin Banks was named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday. The Outland Trophy is awarded annually the nation’s top interior lineman.
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Banks started every game at left tackle in 2022, his freshman season with the Longhorns. During the course of his first 13 games, Banks battled four defensive ends selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft in Will Anderson, Tyree Wilson, Will McDonald, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Banks allowed zero sacks, gave up four total pressures, and committed no penalties in games facing those players according to Pro Football Focus.
Banks was named a freshman All-American for his 2022 campaign. He was also named a second-team All-Big 12 lineman according to the league’s coaches and the Associated Press.
A product of Humble (Texas) Summer Creek, Banks was ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect, the No. 2 offensive tackle, and the No. 5 prospect in Texas according to the 2022 On3 Industry Ranking.
Texas has had three players win the Outland Trophy, one of the oldest postseason honors in college football. Scott Appleton took home the award in 1963, Tommy Nobis followed two years later in 1965, and Brad Shearer earned the honor in 1977. A number of Longhorns have been named finalists including Dan Neil, Leonard Davis, Justin Blalock, and Malcom Brown.
The recipient of the 78th Outland Trophy will be announced during ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards in December. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 10, 2024, per release.
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.
