Texas Football: 5 most imperative Longhorns players for 2023 season

3. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT

There is no doubt in my mind that the best and most talented offensive lineman that Texas has in the mix this season is the reigning Freshman All-American and sophomore offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Last season, the former elite five-star recruit Banks proved to be one of the most effective pass blockers in the Big 12.

And he only got better as the season progressed. Banks led the Big 12 in pass-blocking efficiency in the second half of last season among offensive tackles.

It’s crazy to think that a true freshman only allowed one quarterback pressure in the entire second half of last season.

Banks took on some of the toughest matchups against opposing edge rushers and defensive ends of any Texas offensive lineman last season. He surpassed expectations in those matchups in pass pro last season against some NFL-caliber talents along the defensive front such as Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. and Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson, without giving up a single sack.

Heading into the 2023 season, I expect Banks to be just as good (if not better) in pass pro as he was throughout much of his true freshman campaign. He will be a rock blocking on the blind side for Ewers.

Yet, where I think Banks can improve the most is in run blocking. If Banks can move bodies more effectively and consistently off the line of scrimmage this fall, that will do wonders for the outside zone run game.

Occasionally you get players that instantly prove to be future top-10 picks in the NFL Draft. That’s what Texas has in Banks.