Ole Miss safety Yam Banks explains what it means to play for his home state of Mississippi, looks ahead to LSU game
OXFORD, Miss. – Going into the 2024 season, one thing was clear for Ole Miss: the Rebels needed depth on both sides of the ball, and as much as they could afford. In the portal, they solved that problem through the addition of 25 new players from around the country. Six of those were players in the secondary, three cornerbacks and three safeties.
Included in those was top-10 portal transfer safety Yam Banks.
Mississippi native Banks, who committed to transfer to the Rebels from South Alabama, took us through his decision-making, noting that playing for his home state was something he really thought about during his time in the portal.
“It definitely hit me when I first entered the portal, it just gave me more of a motive to keep my head on and knowing that I’m doing it for the state I’m in. My parents live close, so a lot of people get to watch me play. Just putting on for my family and friends is really the biggest thing.“
– Banks on playing for Ole Miss
Ole Miss lands former South Alabama Safety Yam Banks‼️
Banks’ numbers the past three seasons in Mobile are eye opening. He totaled 144 tackles (including 45 this season), 16 pass deflections, 7 interceptions, 2.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. pic.twitter.com/gN5Gze6lpu
— Hotty Toddy Recruiting (@ht_recruiting) January 14, 2024
Since his arrival, Yam has had the chance to compete in a room filled with numerous multi-year power five starters while being coached by some of the smartest coaches in college football. Despite not winning a starting role, Banks became a crucial rotational piece for Pete Golding and earned himself an opportunity to play snaps on the field against South Carolina. He recorded three total tackles and was named to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) team of the week.
When talking to the media Tuesday, Banks described what it’s been like playing in the SEC and how it differs from his previous experiences in the Sun Belt Conference.
“Really getting the plays down, and staying more in the film room. Studying film a lot more and actually learning guys’ tendencies… it’s a big jump, and I love it.”
– Banks on playing in the SEC
Moving forward with their game plan against LSU, Banks has gotten a first-hand look at the Tigers’ offense by talking to his former teammate, Jaden Voison of South Alabama, who went up against LSU in Baton Rouge two weeks ago. The Jaguars lost 42-10, and Banks understands this Tigers’ team possesses an extremely potent offense.
Ole Miss vs LSU
📍Tiger Stadium
“Saturday night in Death Valley”
🎥: @LSUsports pic.twitter.com/hoU3Vlcj0t
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) October 7, 2024
Up Next
No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 13 LSU will stream on ABC at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday. As always, go Rebs and Hotty Toddy!
