Pruitt on Banks at linebacker: 'I think he could play this week.'

[Freak]

I found it a bit odd, to move Banks to linebacker at this point in the season (vs in the spring) unless Pruitt thought he could see the field. Could he actually play this year? This week?

"It gives us a chance to get our best players on the field, contribute a bit more. He’s had some problems holding on to the football. I think down the road, I think we will be glad we did. I think he could play this week. He’s a smart guy, he’s instinctive and we’re very simple on defense. He’ll practice again the next couple of days as the weekend gets here."

 

[ProudVOLfan]

I mean doesnt it take time to learn your assignments and the defensive calls? Dont get me wrong I would LOVE to see him at MLB Saturday

 

[bmaultbay]

At this point, just line him up and tell him to attack the ball. Young man has guts, heart, and want to.

 

[ButchPlz]

At this point, just line him up and tell him to attack the ball. Young man has guts, heart, and want to.

I feel like classically, at least, that's what the MLB role is.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

Wow. Impressive for both sides if he actually plays this week

 

[MyBloodRunnethOrange]

If he's able to learn the role well enough to see the field this week I'll be amazed.

 

[stevenrich2003]

I love the passion this young man plays with. I hope he does not get bent out of shape about moving to defense.

 

[ProudVOLfan]

I love the passion this young man plays with. I hope he does not get bent out of shape about moving to defense.

I think the young man just wants to play.. he has too much fire to get pissed about being on the field in any role IMO

 

[Iam4utalways]

Plug him in to rush the QB. Smart money says he won’t “tippy toe in”.

 

[The Ron Mexico]

I like it. The young man is very athletic and very motivated. He just needs some direction. And telling him to, “Go ruin the ball carrier’s life. Get there fast and be in a bad mood when you arrive” might just be the key.

 

[VinylVols]

"We're very simple on defense."

That's all I need to hear. We're playing very well if that's the case. Seems like we're gonna just keep getting better every game.

 

[VeeOhElEsYes]

Plug him in to rush the QB. Smart money says he won’t “tippy toe in”.

"Must kill Jake Bentley"

 

[Alto1]

I’m sure CJP knows of certain situations where he could be an immediate help.

Put the best players on the field.
Bottom line!

 

[Volfan2012]

Banks is a high energy player. I hope he can play he really is the type of guy you want on the field.

 

[Sara Clark]

I love the passion this young man plays with. I hope he does not get bent out of shape about moving to defense.

While I don't pretend to know what he thinks. I would imagine he just wants out in the field; as he should be at this stage in the game. He's full of energy and personality; surely that's contagious....I think that's a huge asset for Pruitt right now. JMO

 

[tbones0711]

I feel like classically, at least, that's what the MLB role is.

Just watching the ball and run to where it's at. Pretty simple but saw LBers against Bama not doing it. Couldn't beleve it.

 

[tbones0711]

While I don't pretend to know what he thinks. I would imagine he just wants out in the field; as he should be at this stage in the game. He's full of energy and personality; surely that's contagious....I think that's a huge asset for Pruitt right now. JMO

He's a natural or JJ's rubbing off on him.

 

[awaitingawin]

If Banks is OK with it is alright by me but I am a no vote otherwise...but if he is happy with it and wants it then go for it...but right now I am a no vote.
I think the kid only gets better as a RB...

I also understand the need for speed and the injury situation and trying to salvage the season to be bowl eligible..
The fact is that we are mid-season and Pruitt still talks about the busted assignments with the players that have been on D since the start of the season and now your trying this...

 

[MR_VOL]

Fulmer (and Chavis) did this conversion often, and it usually worked out well. The main goal is to always have the best players on the field, and if Banks is one of the best players he certainly needs to be on the field.

 

[Jax_Vol]

"Must kill Jake Bentley"

Banks on Saturday!

 

[Pacer92]

I remember a certain west TN guy on the 98 NC team that was switched to LB from RB...

Worked fairly good...

 

[awaitingawin]

Just watching the ball and run to where it's at. Pretty simple but saw LBers against Bama not doing it. Couldn't beleve it.

LOL its not that simple...one "first step" in the wrong direction and the runner is already gone...lets see Pruitt started out talking about "playing with confidence" meaning it takes awhile to learn what your responsibilities are at the position...and now this

 

[DiderotsGhost]

If you bet on Jeremy Banks getting live game action at Linebacker before JJ Peterson, then you just hit the jackpot!

 

[volchile]

Did he play any LB in high school? If so, his learning curve may not be too steep.

We sure could use another Al Wilson type at that position

 

[Smoked Cheddar]

Did he play D in HS?