Former Vols linebacker Jeremy Banks addresses not playing against South Carolina
Former Tennessee Vols linebacker Jeremy Banks didn’t play in a key game against South Carolina during the 2022 season
Former Tennessee Vols linebacker Jeremy Banks spoke to reporters at the 2023 NFL Draft combine on Wednesday and addressed not playing against South Carolina this past season.
Tennessee's loss to South Carolina essentially knocked the Vols out of a College Football Playoff spot.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel maintained after the loss to the Gamecocks that Banks simply "wasn't available" for the game.
Meanwhile, rumors that Banks had a locker room altercation with Hendon Hooker gained steam. From what we understand, the "altercation" was nothing major and it was surprising it even became a rumor.
Banks was of course asked about the South Carolina game on Wednesday. While he danced around the question a bit, he also said he should've played in the game.
"It was just a competitive environment and everybody competing to get a spot," said Banks. "We're here now. There was no reason I should've been not playing to help my team get in the playoffs and compete for a national championship."
It seems pretty clear that Heupel and Tennessee made a decision that Banks didn't agree with. That's not uncommon. College athletes and coaches don't always see eye to eye.
Ultimately, it doesn't really matter what happened — the Vols likely lose that game either way.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
