Former Sparkman quarterback Banks ready for next step

Grant Banks

 Not many things went right for Sparkman on the football field last season. But one bright spot was the play of former quarterback Grant Banks who made the most of his opportunities. Now Banks is about to join two of his former teammates and wear the teal blue color of Faulkner University in Montgomery. 

Faulkner is a NAIA school that competes in the Mid-South Conference. Banks will join former teammates Chris Barron and Bobby Posey at Faulkner. The Eagles play their home games at the Crampton Bowl.

Faulkner made news last season when they defeated Union 95-89 to set a record for most points in an NAIA division game. The teams were tied at 75 after 4 quarters.    

“I’m real excited about going down there and ready to get started,” said Banks who was practicing some passing drills with former teammates at the Sparkman practice field this week.

“They run the same offense Sparkman ran and I feel real comfortable there, like I’m at home,” said Banks who is now 6-foot-1, 192 pounds.

Banks’ ability to read defenses and his quick release were what caught the eye of Faulkner coaches.

“They saw me on film and liked how I passed the ball quick and they said I was the most college ready quarterback so they offered me a scholarship. They think I can continue to develop and play at the college level and I was happy to have someone that interested in me. It is in-state and that was big for me so my parents can come watch me play.”

It may not be the Southeastern Conference but Banks knows there will still be competition and great athletes at Faulkner.

The returning starter at quarterback is Josh Hollingsworth, who once had a scholarship offer from Mississippi State.  

“The guys are just as big as anywhere. I went down to their spring game and they had 6 foot 3 receivers, huge offensive and defensive linemen. Its going to be a lot faster than what I saw here,” said Banks who reports to the Montgomery campus July 31.  

Banks says his most memorable game last year was Sparkman’s 30-27 win over county rival Buckhorn. He completed 13 or 24 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. The game was decided by an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Hunter Chapman in the final minute of play.

“It was the best game we played as a team. I just stayed confident in myself and in my teammates. We just refused to lose. It was a whole team effort including a good game plan by the coaches.”

Banks credits former Coach Roger Haynes with helping him achieve his goal of playing football at the next level.

“Coach Haynes never let me get down on myself. He always had confidence in me and told me to keep working, keep passing. He had a tough last couple of years here and I’m happy for him that he has a fresh start,” said Banks.

Haynes recently took a job as a teacher and assistant coach at Scottsboro High School where his brother Glen has been named head basketball coach.

Sparkman’s football team overcame a lot of adversity last season. First a deadly tornado ripped through the Harvest community in April 2011. Then a teammate, Allen Lucas, was killed in an automobile accident just before the season started.

Banks overcame offseason surgery on his left foot and a concussion suffered in the first game of the season against Cullman.  

Banks’ parents, Mike and Kathy, still live in Harvest. Banks played at Monrovia Middle School and has been a quarterback since he played little league flag football.