Tennessee Vols redshirt junior linebacker Jeremy Banks has had an interesting career in Knoxville.

Banks originally signed with the Vols in 2018 as a three-star running back.

The Cordova, TN native played mostly running back as a true freshman, but he was moved to linebacker near the end of the season by then-Vols head coach Jeremy Pruitt.

Banks' move to linebacker was supposed to be temporary, but he remained at linebacker under Pruitt. He's still there under new Vols head coach Josh Heupel.

On top of the position switches, Banks was also dismissed from the team in 2019 after a run-in with police during a traffic stop. Banks was reinstated to the program by Pruitt before the 2020 season.

Despite the ups and downs, Banks is a key player for the Vols who always plays with high energy and intensity.

High intensity and energy are the two of the attributes that UT linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary loves about Banks.

"He's (Banks) one of (my) favorite guys on the team," said Jean-Mary after practice on Tuesday. "You talk about a guy that had to overcome a lot just to get here and suit up for us….he plays 100 miles an hour."

While Jean-Mary loves the way Banks plays — which can sometimes appear to be "out of control" — he knows he needs to reel in the veteran linebacker a bit.

"We’re just trying to get him to play under control and play within the system, but you never question his effort and toughness," said Jean-Mary.

It's better to have a player that plays with great effort and toughness that you have to bring back to earth than trying to get a timid player to play that way.

Banks is just naturally a kid that plays hard at all times — no matter the situation.

Coaches love kids like that in general. That's why I'd expect to see plenty of Banks this fall. If he can cut down on some of the penalties, he could be a force for the Volunteers in 2021.

Featured images via USA TODAY