Marcus Banks Draft Networking Interview: No Position He Can't Play (Interviews)
Interviews

Marcus Banks Draft Networking Interview: No Position He Can't Play

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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Mississippi State safety Marcus Banks is among the most versatile defenders in the 2024 NFL Draft. A multi-year contributor at Alabama before joining the Bulldogs through the transfer portal, Banks took a sizable step forward in 2023, totaling 51 tackles and three pass breakups. Banks lined up everywhere while making an impact across various positions.

Banks recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his transfer from Alabama to Mississippi State, why versatility sets him apart, the lessons learned from the late, great coach Mike Leach, and more.

JM: You had a terrific season at Mississippi State in 2023, totaling a career-best 51 tackles. What allowed you to take a step forward?

Marcus Banks: I became a more versatile player by learning how to play multiple positions in the secondary. Doing that expanded my overall knowledge of the game. It helped me make more plays on the back end.

I accomplished that even though I wasn’t targeted as much this season. I was able to maximize my few opportunities and put great things on film.

JM: You're listed at 6-foot, 190 pounds. You look the part. How do you use size and strength to your advantage on a play-by-play basis?

Marcus Banks: I have great size to play all three positions in the defensive backfield. I can play boundary corner at 190 pounds. I can also move inside to the nickel because typically, it’s shorter, lighter guys that play that position. I have an advantage because I can play the nickel with great size.

For me to be 190 pounds—and sometimes I’m a little heavier than that—I move really well for my size. It’s a great weight for me to come downhill and cover those bigger tight ends. I can even take on an offensive lineman in the run game. I can cover those shiftier fast types in the slot.

I can match up with a bigger receiver on the boundary as well. Some of those 6-4, 6-6 guys need someone like me to shut them down. I can make plays and compete with those types.

JM: You said it. You played every single position in the defensive backfield. Besides your size, which we just touched on, what is it about your game that allows for that much versatility?

Marcus Banks: I understand how to move well at my size. I’m a very smart football player. I pick up on defenses and can execute multiple schemes. I’ve played on many different styles of defense throughout my time at Alabama and Mississippi State.

That journey comes with a lot of intelligence. I’ve even learned different offensive schemes and figured out how to adjust. I’m quick and fast. I can fit downhill in the run game. I can make tackles at the line of scrimmage when necessary.

That separates me from a lot of other defensive backs. I don’t think there are many guys that can do that. I can cover receivers on the outside before moving inside to the slot. I love attacking the backfield. That versatility is what makes me special.

JM: We’ve seen that on tape from you. Now that you’ve had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Alabama to Mississippi State?

Marcus Banks: It goes back to what I said earlier about expanding my knowledge of the game. I wanted to play multiple positions on the back end. When I entered the portal, I knew Mississippi State would give me the opportunity to showcase the versatility I wanted to showcase.

I loved my time at Alabama and I learned so much there, especially while playing cornerback. It was just one of those things where Mississippi State was going to allow me to be more versatile. I learned how to play every spot in the secondary. The Bulldogs had that option available to me.

I’m thankful for my time at both Alabama and Mississippi State. It put me in the great position I’m in today.

JM: You got to play for the late great coach Mike Leach in 2022 before his premature passing. What will forever be your best memory of spending time with coach Leach?

Marcus Banks: That’s a great question. It’s funny because my best memory is probably from the time we played Alabama (laughs). We didn’t play the game we wanted to play. They put a pretty good beating on us.

After the game, coach Leach was talking about being disappointed in the offense. He made a reference about us all having T-rex arms (laughs). He said we played like we didn’t want to be there. He was pissed!

He was mad that entire week of practice. Every day before practice, he made the entire team roll out in the sandpit before we even practiced a down of football. Before we even started practice, every player was all dirty from rolling around in the sandpit (laughs). 

Coach Leach was trying to toughen us up. He thought we were trying to play too pretty versus Alabama. We didn’t show enough toughness. He was right because they beat us up pretty good.

It was a funny memory. That experience built a lot of determination and toughness for the team. We needed that in that moment because we didn’t play up to our standard. That’s what makes Mississippi State what it is. It’s about being gritty and tough. We needed that reminder.

JM: That’s an incredible story. That sounds exactly like coach Leach (laughs). I’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of person and player is a team getting when they draft Marcus Banks?

Marcus Banks: They’re getting a leader. I’m a consistent leader that holds his teammates accountable. One thing about me is you’re getting a guy that gives 100% effort every single snap. That’s how I approach every single day.

I’m the first one in the locker room and the last one out. I practice hard every single rep. I live in the weight room and the meeting room. I’m an extremely hard worker. Whatever team drafts me is going to get a versatile player.

There isn’t a position in the secondary that I can’t play. I’m going to thrive at whatever position you put me at. I pick up every single position. That’s what a team is getting in me.



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