8:2 Goin' Bank

Like Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks came from low places to find himself as the Redskins' primary kick returner. Faced with the adversity against his size, he has used the asset of speed to silence the critics. At 5'7 and 148 lbs, you don't get much positive recognition as a potential threat. You might get plenty of attention for looking like a high-schooler, but a 290 lb. linebacker won't be focusing the defense on you. Strangely for Banks, he's usually the one smiling after a play is blown dead.

Banks came from the small rural town of Garner, North Carolina. He started all four years at Garner Magnet High School despite his small size. His speed stood out enough to be named to the USA Today All-USA Team for his record times in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. He spent his first year after high school at a junior college known as Bakersfield. The team was ranked first in the nation for junior colleges at the end of 2007. His talent took him to Kansas State where he stood out as one of the school's all time leading receivers. Banks' strength came on special teams, especially on kick returns. In the 2010 NFL Draft, Banks watched as his name was overlooked and his hope for an NFL career seemed to vanish. All that changed when Mike Shanahan of the Washington Redskins signed Banks to aid competition for wide receivers. Brandon Banks was immediately recognized by his tiny size, but it was his speed that ultimately overshadowed his height. In the Redskins' first pre-season game against Buffalo, his punt return for a touchdown caught many people off-guard, and turned the heads of the coaching staff. Banks was given a miracle chance as he made the final roster as one of six finalist at receiver. He beat out five other competitors with better resumes making his roster spot more accomplished.



Banks was soon sent down to practice squad, but by Week 4 of the regular season, his number was called upon to mimic that of Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick. His job was to evade pass rushes using his speed to prepare the defense for the quickness of Vick. Again, his speed caught the attention of Shanahan, who moved him to the starting kick and punt returner. His debut at punt returner resulted in a 53-yard jaw-dropping return against a stunned Philadelphia crowd. He followed that with a 30-yard return the next week against Green Bay. The next week against Indianapolis he blocked a crucial field goal by Adam Vinateri at the end of the half.


Time and time again Banks has sneaked out of the cellar and into the light. His entire life he has been neglected and downplayed because of his small stature, but sometimes it's not the size that matters. Banks plays with heart and adds electricity to the Washington sideline. For the first time in over a decade, the Redskins have some hope at returning kicks.