“Speed Ain’t Really No Different”
June 12th, 2013Joe likes the cocky edge to the Bucs’ highly-touted rookie
Rookie Bucs cornerback Johnthan Banks has a cocky streak. Joe’s got no problem with that, and it will be awesome if the dude can back it up like he did as a stud cornerback in college.
Banks was asked about adjusting to the speed of the NFL after practice today, and Banks cranked out a gem with a straight face.
“I played in the SEC. … Speed ain’t really no different,” Banks said.
Well, what can Joe say? The Bucs open 2013 against the Jets on opening day, and they probably wouldn’t fare well in the SEC, so perhaps Banks has a point.
June 12th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
He is definitely confident that’s for sure but we’ll see how many times if any he gets burned this year. Can he back it up?
June 12th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
I didn’t know the SEC put out so many awesome receivers….Julio Jones and who? I am all for Banks succeeding, but he hasn’t seen the burners with craftiness he will face, yet
June 12th, 2013 at 4:07 pm
If there is one intangible a CB must have it’s self-confidence and it sounds like Banks believes he can handle the NFL game. I think that’s a good sign!
However, when you say you’re Superman, my next move is to hand you a ladder and tell you to head for the roof!
I believe he can do it, now show me!
June 12th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Good stuff. Hopefully he turns out to be the Martin/Lavonte of 2013. If he turns out to be a legit number two corner this secondary could be even better than originally thought. (Or even worse if you are an opposing quarterback.)
I would enjoy seeing Banks have a better year than Xavier Rhodes. At one point, before the combine, Banks/Rhodes were considered interchangeable for the second best corner in the draft, 2a and 2b if you will. Then the combine happened and Rhodes’ stock soared and Banks’ plummeted. (Although, not as much as originally thought.)
If he manages to lock up that number two spot he will get PLENTY of opportunities to make picks this season. With Revis on the other side, you can bet every quarterback in the league will look to test the rookie early and often. Hopefully he can handle that type of pressure so early in his career.
June 12th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
I like a bit of attitude….some swagger…forces a dude to prove himself. Didn’t Marvin play in the SEC….I wonder if he feels the same way about the speed of the NFL?
June 12th, 2013 at 4:29 pm
“SEC Speed” has ZERO to do with the skill position players. Conferences everywhere have speed demons at wideout, RB Etc. What separates the SEC from everyone else is the speed/size combo in the trenches. In particular the Defensive line.
June 12th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
He’s right the SEC is all about speed, but to say its the same as the NFL is ridiculous. The hitting is leaps and bounds more intense. We’ll see what he is saying when we make it to training camp.
(sidenote) I am a huge Auburn fan and SEC fan there is no comparison between SEC football and the NFL. The Crimson Tide would be hard pressed to not get blown out by the Jaguars.
June 12th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
I think the skill of opposing QBs might factor in somewhere as well. Considering that after only three regular season games he will have already faced Drew Brees and Tom Brady, he should know pretty early on what he’s up against.
June 12th, 2013 at 5:34 pm
I know exactly what e is takig about. The SEC by and large is the mst talented conference in all of college football.
He is saying that he has always competed at a high level.
We need more guys like him!
June 12th, 2013 at 5:55 pm
Easy Rook,,,
June 12th, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Banks is in for an awakening. I predict a little struggle at first but am hoping that when he see’s how fast the nfl really is he’ll be able to adjust quickly.
June 12th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
Rod Jones was the last Buc CB to talk like that…….I think he said…”they need somebody to cover Wille Gault”…IMO Banks will be just fine
June 12th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
He’s been practicing against some pretty good WR’s, I trust him..
Even though I can’t stand the thought of the SEC
June 12th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
Our defensive backfield is going to be one of “Swag” this year with all these confident personalities..
Can’t wait for all the hard-hitting that’s going to be taking place jaja
June 12th, 2013 at 7:53 pm
I remember Rod Jones. Nicknamed “Toast” for good reason!
June 13th, 2013 at 6:00 am
“Toast” could run fast he just hesitated getting off the blocks and couldn’t turn his head around. He just seemed to like watching others run fast as they streaked right by him. A CB needs to have a certain amount of cockiness. The youngster will learn to temper it a little when the pads go on and the bullets start flying. Are we allowed to say bullets nowadays?
June 13th, 2013 at 10:25 am
Speed in OTAs and training camp is nothing compared to the regular season. I like the attitude, but I do expect an adjustment period. Even the great Ronde Barber to a while to get up to speed.