OXFORD – It was instilled in Ole Miss senior linebacker Tyler Banks from a young age that if you choose to do something, you put your all into it. That’s a big reason why he’s stuck it out in Oxford despite not getting the playing time he’d probably like.
Banks, a senior from Blackstone, Virginia, has spent his entire career with the Rebels after coming to Oxford as a three-star recruit in the 2022 class. He has never started a game for the Rebels’ defense, although he has played in 39 games and racked up 31 tackles over his three seasons at Ole Miss. He has also played extensively on special teams.
Banks was announced as the team’s Chucky Mullins Courage Award Thursday night. The Chucky Mullins Courage Award is given annually to the upperclassman defensive player “that embodies the spirit of Mullins – courage, leadership, perseverance and determination.” Mullins, a former Ole Miss defensive back, went to make a tackle against Vanderbilt on Oct. 28, 1989. He was paralyzed from the neck down after suffering broken vertebrae on the play and was confined to a wheelchair. He died from a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot on May 6, 1991.
KD Hill, Cedric Johnson and JJ Pegues are the last three winners of the award, which has been given annually for 36 years. Banks, who previously wore No. 34, will switch to Mullins’ No. 38 this season. The number is retired outside of the award’s winners.
“I can’t wait to represent,” Banks said, “I know the people before me represented it well, and I plan to do the same. Just an honor, really. Just an honor.”
In an era where players are constantly leaving their schools in search of playing time, Banks is a bit of a throwback. He wanted to stick it out where he started.
“From the day I committed, I knew that this was home and growing up that was just a principle that was instilled in me, just whatever I’m doing, give it 100% regardless,” Banks said, “… So I knew when I made that decision, it was going to be my decision forever.”
Blackstone is a town of less than 3,500, according to Census Reporter. While Oxford is significantly bigger, it has a similar small-town feel, Banks said. From the second he stepped on campus, Ole Miss and Oxford have been home. And Banks wouldn’t leave that for anything.
“The family, just the atmosphere. That’s one of the main reasons I came here. Visiting, it felt like home. (I’m) from a small town, (Oxford has) the small-town feel,” Banks said. “But not only that, just the people. The people keep you here, too.”
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