Longhorns OT Kelvin Banks Focusing On Technique In First Spring Offseason

Starting left tackle Kelvin Banks is trying to hone in on the little things in Year 2.

© Ricardo B. Brazziell / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kelvin Banks is a veteran when it comes to starting reps on Texas' offensive line, but he still is just a big kid trying to get acclimated to life in college. 

"Hopefully by next year I'll get to that point," Banks said with a laugh Thursday while meeting with reporters. 

Banks is still growing into his own as the long-term left tackle for the Longhorns. Despite enrolling in the summer, the freshman from Humble won the starting job and played all 13 games on the blindside. 

Even with the first-year accolades, Banks considers himself a work in progress, admitting that there were some growing pains last fall. Early on, Banks said he would often find himself antsy when facing a pass rusher lined up wide for an extra push off the edge, but he learned that a calm approach could do wonders for helping with footwork. 

“Technique was the biggest part," Banks said. "You know, anybody can go out there and throw their helmet around and hit people. But I feel like if you focus on the little things, that's what helps me to try to be the best. That’s what helped me excel.”

Footwork is essential for offensive linemen. One wrong step and a pass rusher is meeting a quarterback on the turf in the backfield, leading to a loss of down and an ear chewing from the coaching. 

That's one area Banks has focused on this spring with offensive line coach and coordinator Kyle Flood. It all starts with technique. Once those little things become second nature, the rest falls into place. 

"Being able to have a full offseason is doing good for me so far," said Banks. 

The offensive line should be a plus for Texas entering its final year in the Big 12. The Longhorns started the same five in all 13 games a season ago. All five players are slated to return in 2023. 

Banks is back to start at left tackle, while his running mate Cole Hutson should command the left guard spot. Hayden Conner won the starting right guard job last fall, while Christian Jones and Jake Majors have been two-year starters at right tackle and center, respectively. 

Banks has high hopes for himself and the Longhorns entering a new campaign. Despite losing offensive talent in players like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, the sophomore believes the offense can reach new heights thanks to a veteran presence. 

That starts up front in the trenches. Banks says with more experience, the offensive line could be a catalyst for a surging season on the Forty Acres. 

"We can be as good as we want ourselves to be," Banks said. "I feel like our offensive line, if we come out there and play our game and play for each other and we stay in sync, we can be as good (as we want)."

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