Former Tennessee Vols linebacker Jeremy Banks will go down as one of the more polarizing players to play at UT. 

Banks played with max effort at all times during his five seasons at Tennessee. There was never any doubt that Banks left it all on the field.

The Cordova, TN native led the Vols in tackles in 2021 with 128 (No. 7 in the nation). Additionally, Banks' energy on the defensive side of the ball was a valuable asset for Tennessee

While Banks' on-field production was critical for the Vols, he had a couple of off-the-field moments that weren't so great. 

In 2019, Banks was arrested for failing to appear in court for driving with a suspended license. 

During the arrest, Banks said "You don't wanna be an intern because where I'm from, we shoot at cops" to a policewoman participating in a ride-along. 

Banks later issued an apology for his actions. 

"I want to sincerely apologize to my family, the University of Tennessee and the law enforcement community. I deeply regret my language and attitude in the video. I have great respect for our policemen and women, and I am embarrassed by my actions that night. That’s not who I am. I promise to be a better representative for the University of Tennessee moving forward."

Banks was also the center of attention this past season when he didn't make the trip to Columbia for the Vols' matchup against South Carolina. Tennessee lost to the Gamecocks after giving up a season-high 63 points, effectively ending the Vols' College Football Playoff hopes. 

The exact reason for Banks not making the trip has never been officially given by Tennessee. 

Despite a couple of off-field hiccups, Banks is still an extremely athletic player who tested well at the draft combine last month. He plays with frantic energy on the field and he showed this past season that he can improve in areas where he's struggled (for example, Banks cut way down on penalties, specifically late hits and personal fouls, this past season). 

The former Vol should get a shot in the NFL due to his natural abilities. 

In fact, the latest seven-round mock draft from ESPN has Banks going to the Philadelphia Eagles, the defending NFC champions, with the No. 248 overall selection (seventh round). 

Anyone drafted in the seventh round will have an uphill battle to make a roster (sometimes going undrafted is better because a player can at least choose between various situations). Banks, however, should be able to provide value on special teams, which could help him stick on a roster.