ESPN shines a light on Kelvin Banks Jr. and his family's tear-jerking story

Kelvin Banks Jr. is an offensive star for the Texas O-Line and he has yet to miss a start since joining the Longhorns' roster. However, Banks is shouldering more than just his duties on the field.

Banks' mother, Monica Banks, collapsed after one of the Longhorn's games during his freshman year and the family learned she had a blood clot in her brain. Monica battled repeated illnesses as she stayed in hospitals, lost her ability to walk, and even lost her capability to talk.

Meanwhile, her son was leading the Texas offensive line to win after win. Monica nearly died but one would never know while watching the Longhorns' matchups. Banks Jr. dealt with all of it silently, despite struggling so much internally.

Earlier this year, Banks attended the SEC Media Days with his head coach, Steve Sarkisian, and teammates. When asked about how he stays focused he put it simply:

"Be where your feet are," Banks said. "Don't try to look too far ahead because once you do that, things will go downhill for you, because then you're focusing on more than what you need to at the moment."

Someone's mom is almost always one of the most important people in their life. The fear of losing your mom, especially at such a young age, is unimaginable.

For so long, Monica's illness was a mystery to all of the doctors caring for her. They simply couldn't figure out what was causing her life-altering symptoms. However, over the summer, Banks Sr. – Banks' father – overheard someone talking about symptoms similar to Monica's that were caused by a leak from their gallbladder.

Doctors began draining the toxins from Monica's body and eventually had her gallbladder removed. It hasn't been an instant change but Banks' mom is talking again. She's expressing herself again. And, maybe the most meaningful to her and her son, Monica is attending Banks' games again.

"I always look up there," Banks Jr. said about running onto the field. "To let her know that I know where she is."

A heartwarming, tear-jerking tribute to Banks and his mother was aired during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast on Saturday morning. While Georgia Bulldog fans may be pulling against the Horns this weekend, the whole nation is now pulling for Banks and his mom.

Read more: