Tennessee Football: Should Jeremy Banks make the move to linebacker?

The big news for Tennessee football this week has to do with one of their running backs, Jeremy Banks, with him making the move from running back to linebacker.

Jeremy Banks, the true freshman running back for Tennessee football, will likely be making the transition from running back to linebacker. Luckily for him, his college career is young and if this position change doesn’t work out, he will still have the time to prove himself again at the running back position.

Banks has looked like a playmaker at times throughout the season as a true freshman. He has rushed the ball 41 times on the year for 181 yards and actually leads the running backs with three rushing touchdowns. He has been the power back for the Volunteers at times but has also had trouble at times coughing up the ball, which is probably why this position change is being made.

Banks is a fan favorite among Tennessee fans and has even had the term ‘Feed the Bull’ coined for him.

Banks looks like he fits the position well, considering he was a 6’1, 211 lb running back. Compared to other linebackers on the team, his size doesn’t stick out. If this position change sticks though, he will surely put on more weight during his time on Rocky Top, especially with head strength trainer Craig Fitzgerald at the helm.

With this position change, junior Carlin Fils-Aime will move back to running back. Fils-Aime had been at the defensive back position during this season, but has previously been at the running back position during his freshman and sophomore campaign.

Thoughts on the move

At first, I personally questioned the move, considering the numerous position changes that didn’t end up working out for past head coach Butch Jones. After learning more about the situation and how Banks actually went up to Pruitt during the Georgia game asking to be moved, I hopped on the train.

Banks has the potential to be a playmaker wherever he plays, which is why I like the move. A big reason Banks might be considering this move is because of the depth at the running back position the Volunteers currently have and will have. Both Tim Jordan and Ty Chandler are sophomores and will have at least one more season at the running back position.

One thing that I have questioned during this transition is how quickly he will be able to learn the defense. I know Coach Pruitt said the defense is pretty simple, but it’s still very hard to learn the defense in a small amount of time. The linebacker position is a very complex position, but who knows, maybe Banks is a very quick learner and can prove me wrong. But like I said, he is a playmaker and should be put on the field somewhere to make plays.

I also feel more confident in this coaching staff to be able to help a player like Banks transition into a new position. I’ve said this many times before, but Pruitt actually seems to be coaching these guys and helping these guys become great football players.

Only time will tell how this position change will work out, but I am willing to bank on Banks and Pruitt during this transition.