Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks doesn’t speak to the media that often, as is often the case in this modern era of college football in which coaches love insulation more an uptight home inspector. So when Banks talks, there are questions, especially about his players.
Here are some queries lobbed Banks way when he met with the media on Tuesday.
What is it like to see linebacker Keenan Pili back on the field after suffering a season-ending injury in the opening game of the 2023 season?
”For me, it is very satisfying. He is a kid who has worked his tail off. He got hurt early in the season last year. I know how tough that was for him, but he stayed locked in. He stayed with the team. He continued to push guys and learn our defense, so to finally see him see the fruits of his efforts, man listen, I feel like a proud dad to see him go out there and do what he did. He is a big athlete, we knew that. He has great stamina. We think he is only going to get better as he continues to grow in this defense, so we are excited for him.”
How is superstar James Pearce Jr. affecting games even though he hasn’t recorded a sack in the Vols’ first two contests?
“I think for me, once again, I didn’t even know that he did not have a sack, because James is playing extremely hard for us. He is getting a lot of attention just like we thought he would, so I think as long as he continues to work hard and play hard, I think the sacks will come. He has not pouted about it. He has not said one word about it. He is satisfied that we are winning. We are obviously playing at a high level. As long as everybody is doing that, nobody cares about quote-unquote statistics.”
What do you think about linebacker Arion Carter?
“For me, I think I may have told you guys this, the biggest growth I have seen from him is just his football IQ. He was a freshman last year, obviously. He played a lion’s share of running back in high school. To see the growth that he has at linebacker has been amazing for me. He has always been a good athlete. He has always played hard, but him being able to play a step quicker because he understands how offenses are trying to attack it. I have been very pleased. Just again, his overall football IQ. He is blessed with athleticism, but he has really worked hard to make sure he understands not only our defense, but how our opponents are trying to attack us.”
What do you think of the STAR position with Christian Harrison and Boo Carter?
“I think the same thing. We are really athletic at that spot. We are a little green. Neither one of those guys have played a ton of football — obviously collegiately — at the STAR position. But the athleticism shows up. When we bring those guys (on a blitz) occasionally, we have seen some effort there and the results we want when we are blitzing those guys. I think the more they play again, we will continue to see different sets and guys trying to attack them differently. I think they will continue to grow, but right now I am really pleased with what we are getting from the STAR position.”
What is the biggest area of growth for defensive lineman Tyre West?
Just the mental part of it. Understanding leverage and being where he is supposed to be when he is supposed to be there. He has always been a really good athlete. He has always played with great motor. He is in tremendous shape right now. He is playing extremely hard. I just like the details that he has been playing with until this point.”
What about the the growth and progress of defensive back Edrees Farooq?
“He is a super smart kid. We have really had to force feed him to play both sides. He has played field safety, boundary safety for us, and even played him a little bit at STAR in practice. I just love his instincts. He is always 100 miles an hour. Like I tell him, ‘Every open field tackle doesn’t have to be a knockout shot.’ I think he is starting to learn that. He wants to be able to play under control, but man, when we get him close to the box, he is extremely efficient. He has good footwork. He is a willing tackler. He is aggressive. But I think the main strength that I love is that he is coachable and extremely smart.”
