Rory Banks’ natural talents and work ethic have helped him rise to prominence in Ozark’s offense. The 5-foot-8, 155-pound junior running back is hoping genetics might provide him a further boost over the next couple of years.
Banks has reason to believe he still has some growing to do.
His late grandfather, Sterling Banks, stood a towering 6-5. During Sterling’s glory days, he was a tight end as a prep in St. Louis and later had a bit of run in the NFL as a practice squad player with the New England Patriots.
“I've been told my family (traditionally) has a growth spurt toward the end of our junior year and the start of our senior year,” Rory said. “I’m hoping I do.”
Already, Banks’ spunky persona lifts his self-expectations to the level of players who have more than a few pounds on him.
With a max of 225 on the bench press, Banks is lifting 70 pounds more than his body weight.
“I try to push myself and don't compare myself to people my weight,” he said. “I compare myself to people who are bigger than me. I want to be as strong as them.”
Banks was motivated and relentless throughout all of last school year to get to 225.
“It was a goal,” he said. “When I got it a few weeks before the end of the year, I was excited. I always have a good feeling I can improve and get my max or PR higher.”
Banks’ mindset is a strength. Even as a sophomore last year, he never felt overwhelmed at the prospect of playing varsity ball. He earned starts against Branson and Waynesville and finished with 33 carries for 157 yards (4.8 avg.).
“The opportunity to show myself and prove myself was crazy,” Banks said. “I wanted to put myself out there and show what I can do. I had confidence to start out with. Some people didn't believe in me. I wanted to show I'm a lot better than what they may think.”
Banks will share carries in Ozark backfield with Keller Schafer and Laine Emmerth. Banks and Schafer have similar styles as speedy, elusive types looking for open space, while Emmerth is bullish and primed for short-yardage situations.
If Banks and Schafer sub in and out for each other, the hope is they will be as quick and strong with the ball in the fourth quarter as the first.
“I feel like we can help each other. You don't have any limits,” Banks said of splitting carries. “We can keep fresh, keep the chains moving and give the offense the chance to score. I think we can be lethal. It's going to be hard to stop us.”
