Banks reinstated by NCAA, but must serve 3-game suspension

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The NCAA has reinstated Icky Banks to West Virginia’s football team but the cornerback must serve a three-game suspension to open the season, coach Dana Holgorsen said Monday.

West Virginia cornerback Icky Banks must sit out three games after being reinstated from an academic eligibility situation.

MetroNews first reported last week that Banks was being held out of practice while facing an academic situation that threatened his eligibility this season. Holgorsen confirmed Monday that as part of the NCAA’s ruling, Banks would now be allowed to practice throughout the suspension. He must miss games against Alabama, Towson and Maryland and will be cleared to play against Oklahoma on Sept. 20.

“We’re glad he got it resolved,” Holgorsen said.

A native of Richmond, Va., Banks has appeared in 36 games at West Virginia while making 16 starts. He and safety Karl Joseph were the lone defensive returnees to start every game in 2013.

In Banks’ absence, junior Terrell Chestnut and senior Travis Bell have been rotating at left cornerback. Holgorsen said both “are going to take snaps” against Alabama, and added that recently admitted junior college transfer Jaylon Myers is “full-go” as well. That news could be a huge boost to West Virginia’s pass defense, considering Myers only enrolled Aug. 18.

“We’ve got bodies at corner, bodies that have played,” Holgorsen said. “We’ve just got to see how they respond.”

COACH SPEAK
Some highlights from Monday’s Big 12 coaches teleconference:

• What has Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops most excited about the new college football playoff? “Hopefully us being in it.”

• Baylor’s Art Briles on his certainty the first-year playoff selection committee will pick the correct final four: “I’ve got all the confidence in the world. How can you think something will be wrong before it has a chance to be right? I’m all-in.”

• Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy on facing defending national champion Florida State: “They’re as far along as any team I’ve ever played against in my 25 years at this level.”

• Charlie Strong on how Texas players perceived their 17-8 record the last two seasons: “They feel like they let themselves down and let the university down because they have such high expectations.”

• Paul Rhoads on how stadium improvements lure recruits: “They buy with their eyes to a large extent.”





More WVU Sports

Sports
Tucker DeVries prepares to shoulder challenges awaiting in Big 12
A two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, Tucker DeVries will spend his senior season at West Virginia. As he gets acclimated to a new program, DeVries' focus is on improving the health in his right shoulder after undergoing surgery on it Tuesday.
March 28, 2024 - 4:54 pm
Sports
Darian DeVries welcomed as West Virginia men's basketball coach
DeVries eager for what's to come in what marks second head coaching gig.
March 28, 2024 - 2:57 pm
Sports
Greene strives for improved accuracy through extra emphasis on fundamentals, mechanics
West Virginia quarterback Garett Greene felt he could've gotten more out of the 2023 season, and his completion percentage is a major reason why.
March 27, 2024 - 7:58 pm
Sports
Photo gallery: Mountaineers conduct second practice of spring football
West Virginia was outside Wednesday morning for its second practice during the first week of spring football.
March 27, 2024 - 2:54 pm


Your Comments