After being plagued by fumble issues this season, true freshman running back Jeremy Banks was moved to inside linebacker during Tuesday’s practice (see yesterday’s practice thread for video). Today, on the SEC Coaches Teleconference, Jeremy Pruitt sad he believes Banks could be ready to play as early as this week.
“I think it gives us a chance to get our best players on the field, gives him an opportunity to possibly contribute a little more. You know, he’s had a little bit of problems holding onto the football, and he’s got a lot of energy and he’s a tough guy. It’s tough to move during the season, but I think it’s something that down the road that we’ll be glad we did.
“He could possibly play this week. I mean, he’s a smart guy, he’s instinctive. And we’re very simple on defense, so you know, he’ll practice again the next couple of days and we’ll just kind of see as the weekend gets here.”
Pruitt personally spent time with the Banks yesterday, giving him one-on-one instruction during practice, and it didn’t take the freshman long to get noticed. Facing Daniel Bituli in tackling drills, Banks reportedly delivered one of the louder hits of the afternoon.
Tennessee and South Carolina will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium on the SEC Network.
Forum discussion: Pruitt on Banks at linebacker: ‘I think he could play this week.’