High On Johnthan Banks
July 29th, 2013
How well does WDAE-AM 620 Bucs beat reporter Tom Krasniqi, known in some circles as “TKras,” cover the Bucs? He is such a fixture at One Buc Palace, he still smells sweat when he is home at night.
Krasniqi, like Joe, has seen every minute of every Bucs practice so far in training camp 2013, and the player he believes is turning heads most is rookie cornerback Johnthan Banks.
If you had to name the biggest star so far at camp, the name Johnthan Banks keeps popping up. The rookie cornerback was the team’s second round pick and he’s been impressive. Banks has the size (6-2, 185lbs) the team craves and he’s been physical off the line of scrimmage.
Banks believes he’s more than just a big, physical cover man. He’s also a ballhawk too. “I think I have really good ball skills. I had 16 career interceptions in college but one thing about getting your hand on the ball is… you have to know the defense. It’s one thing I’ve been working hard at…learning the defense, being comfortable and confident. I’m going out there and playing with a lot of swagger.” There’s no question he’s done that since he’s been here.
As impressive as he’s been on the field, the Bucs like his maturity off the field as well. “Johnthan is a mature guy,” said Schiano after Sunday’s practice. “I get the sense he’s pretty into his family and taking care of them. Yet, he’s got a really good sense of humor. He’s a fun guy to coach and he loves the game of football.”
Now Joe would say the guy flashing the most in training camp is Mike Williams, but that is quibbling. Banks is playing strong.
The thing about Banks is he’s confident without being cocky. There’s a difference. He’s not so cocky that he doesn’t believe he cannot learn. He always talks about how much he is learning from Darrelle Revis, Dashon Goldson and yes, even Leonard Johnson, about performing as a pro.
Banks will need all the help he can get as there will be few rookies targeted by opposing quarterbacks like he will be. Any corner starting opposite of Revis will be targeted, naturally. But Banks is a rookie and on top of that, he will be facing Drew Brees, Matty Ice and Cam Newton twice this season.
In short, Banks will be baptized by fire. Quickly. Here’s what Banks had to say about becoming a Buccaneer Man after Sunday’s practice in this WDAE-AM 620 audio.
July 29th, 2013 at 10:09 am
Yes Buc Realist….this is a Dominick pick!!!
Banks is 1st round talent picked in the second round. If he defends well early in the season, opposing QBs will have a delima.
I am starting to feel more comfortable being without Wright.
July 29th, 2013 at 10:26 am
I say give him safety help over the top as much as possible and leave the other side of the field solely on Revis. theres no doubt Banks is going to be targeted so he needs all the help he can get.
July 29th, 2013 at 10:26 am
Yeah so far I like this guy too. Still like Glennon I need to see him in pre-season to evaluate him myself. Not just what everyone else says. The ebonics first name still scares me a bit.
July 29th, 2013 at 10:29 am
Personalities like this on the team make me proud to be a bucs fan. I like these players Schiano is bringing in. Hopefully Banks can produce on the field too. Based on his college career, he looks like he should become at least a solid starter.
July 29th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Four players were signed as well:
fullback Spencer Larsen
guard Jeff Olson
receiver Bobby Sewell
cornerback Mason Robinson
Of the 4, Bobby Sewell may turn out to be very good. He spent 2 years in the AFL. Hard to find stats on him but I know he catches well and scores well.
July 29th, 2013 at 10:55 am
One thing I’m noticing is the humbleness of the players. Watch the interviews. For example, Doug Martin flat out refuses to make a yardage prediction.
All of them are focused on getting better AND making each other better. A lot of respect out there.
One player was asked what made him unique. He answered by saying he would rather not us “I”…it was all about the team. He also said the entire DB unit does everything Revis tells them because he’s the best and they want to become just as good.
July 29th, 2013 at 11:05 am
Buc1987,
I don’t think you meant any harm by your Ebonics reference, but to be sure, could you find it in your heart to be sympathetic to the Mississippi sharecropper grandparents who raised Johnthan that probably didn’t have the benefit of an education like you and I?
Go to Buccaneer.com and see his latest video and hear how proudly he speaks of them to provide for him when they didn’t have much for themselves!
July 29th, 2013 at 11:13 am
Yeah Bucs1987 – everyone eagerly anticipates your personal evaluation of Glennon. Not sure why the coaches don’t have you on payroll to lean on your infinite football wisdom. Between that and the ebonics reference to Bank’s name, you sound like a f’ing dickbag
July 29th, 2013 at 11:25 am
Don’t have a problem with names…..after all we have a player with a perfectly nerdy name….Myron….but can he play?
Banks didn’t choose his name like some (Ocho Cinco)
Any problems with Lavonte or Dekota?
July 29th, 2013 at 11:35 am
ha ha ha ha ha you guys crack me up. Yes the ebonics reference was a question of genes and intelligence.I knew that would get some of you riled up. No need for name calling Tampa2. Yes I do evaluate players MYSELF before I make comments of how GREAT they are going to be. Unlike a few of you in here who just spout off at the mouth, just because. I would not be interested in working for the Bucs. If I did then I’d be a true homer and always say nothing but GOOD things about each player. I did however say this “Yeah so far I like this guy too.” I liked him when I saw the youtube video of him in college. So maybe we all should have listened to Raheem about how good this and that player is, or how good Myron is. Just trust everyone right? BTW I don’t believe in aliens either until I see one MYSELF.
July 29th, 2013 at 11:38 am
Lavonte or Dekota = not ebonics
July 29th, 2013 at 11:44 am
Were we all not told by Raheem how good Mason Foster was going to be?
July 29th, 2013 at 11:57 am
Buc!987,
We should all applaud you for your honesty. We can now put your words into context knowing the motivation that prompt your feelings. More people should come out of the closet and let us know how you feel about 90% of the players in the NFL. Interested to see how many here identify with your opinion. It’s America and you’re entitled to your convictions!
July 29th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Mason Foster has been good. Not as consistently as we would all like but he’s only going into his 3rd season.
July 29th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
You do not have to worry, the Bucs will never be calling you being that you aren’t qualified for starters. This particular statement “cracks me up.” –
I would not be interested in working for the Bucs. If I did then I’d be a true homer and always say nothing but GOOD things about each player. I honestly don’ even know where to begin with the sheer goober-ness of that statement, and then in the same breath have questions about the genes and intelligence of someone else. How ironic…You just go ahead and continue to do what you do best, and that’s be a grown man wearing Jerseys of dudes 20 yrs younger than you, chugging beers, and shouting dumb comments from the sands.
July 29th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
^^^yet more nonsense
July 29th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
“You just go ahead and continue to do what you do best, and that’s be a grown man wearing Jerseys of dudes 20 yrs younger than you, chugging beers”
Everyone the great Tampa2 has spoken. Next time you go to a game don’t wear a jersey or drink any beer, because after all in Tampa2’s mind that makes you an idiot. That’s right put those jerseys away and drink soda.
July 29th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
“I honestly don’ even know where to begin with the sheer goober-ness of that statement, and then in the same breath have questions about the genes and intelligence of someone else.”
Please do begin with the sheer goober-ness of the statement. Now that you’ve had time to roll that pea of a brain around in your head for awhile.
July 29th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Just found this video of him back when he played safety(??) in Mississippi – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yov4uFzbLes&feature=youtu.be
Dam proud to have this kid in our DBs.
July 29th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Ok Bucs “fans”
Its time for you guys to become Buccaneer MEN!
Selfless, positive, and loving.
Banks on Leonard Johnson- “He’s one of the most positive guys I’ve ever met.”
Thats what we need from the fan base!
Its physics! Positive, supportive fans will make the team better!
F.A.M.I.L.Y.
Our era? Is the end of the “hater.”
Go Bucs!
One Love!
July 29th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
Being positive is one thing. Being blindly positive to the point you can’t see reality is something else all together.
A negative fan base reflects on the team more so than it does the actual fan base.
You ever seein a negative winning fan base? I havent