GAMES
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RANKINGS
Ja'Koby Banks
THE LEAD BUFF: Determined Banks Leads the Way for Marshall
"Last year, they ran me a lot," said Banks, who threw for 182 yards and four touchdowns last year and rushed for 298 yards and four touchdowns. "Coming into this season, with a year under me, I feel like I'll be able to control the game way better than I did last year. I'll be able to show people I can throw the ball, not just run it."
This season, Banks has been impressive, drawing an offer from Texas A&M after the first game of the season. He has completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards and 22 touchdowns to two interceptions, while rushing for 747 yards and 12 touchdowns on 42 carries for an unreal 17.8 yards per carry.
While Banks certainly has the talent and skills for the job, it's his intangibles that impress.
He is a leader at heart, learning from his late uncle Johnathan about being outspoken and holding others accountable.
"I feel like I've been a leader on every team I've been on," Banks said. "If I'm working and I can see someone else on my team that I know can do better, I'm not going to let them not do better. I'm going to make sure they do their best to make the team better."
Marshall coach James Williams said his signal-caller is a "driven young man who does right from wrong".
"A great character kid," Williams said. "He wants to get the job done. He embraces being the leader and he just wants to develop."
Williams said Banks' determination is elite.
"He's always had the athletic ability and movement skills. He's always been fast because of track," Williams said. "But as far as throwing the ball and throwing routes, he's really committed to it and put in the extra time with our coaching staff to become more of a passer as well."
Banks admits there is considerable pressure that comes with quarterbacking one of the top teams in the state in Class 5A Division II.
One that has legitimate state championship aspirations.
"But," he added, "me and my team are built for this."
Of that, he is sure. It is upon his shoulders, by his own doing, that the Buffalos are built.
"I'm most excited for our team playing for each other and not themselves," Banks said. "Last year, we were separate. This year, we're more connected, and not even just on a teammate level, but a friendship level as well."
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
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Fort Bend Marshall's Chris Marshall, left, and Ja'koby Banks.
Banks, Marshall a dominant duo for Buffs
"Chris is a phenomenal player," coach James Williams said. "He's going to get the ball. No doubt about that. Ja'koby played a great game, made some great reads."
Fort Bend Marshall junior quarterback Ja'koby Banks.Bradley Collier | VYPE Media
Fort Bend Marshall senior receiver Chris Marshall.Courtesy
In his first game captaining the Buffalos' prolific offense, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Banks played like a poised veteran, taking what the defense gave him. He showed off a quick release and strong arm, as well as an innate ability to shed any oncoming tacklers, buying time for his receivers to get open or running gaps to form.
"I read safety to corner," Banks said. "Go through my reads. With teammates like I've got, they make everything easy for me."
Not long after the game against Eisenhower ended, Banks received a scholarship offer from Texas A&M.
The 6-fooot-4 Marshall, who also stars on the basketball court and had a vicious dunk over a hapless defender in an AAU game this summer that went viral on social media, makes everyone's life easier. The four-star recruit barely broke a sweat in scoring two early touchdowns and leaving Eagles defenders in his dust.
Marshall's bond with Banks is evident. Unsolicited, in one-on-one interviews, each called the other "a brother."
"He's been my boy since last year," Marshall said. "It was my first year playing and it was his first year on varsity. We both had our first touchdowns together, you know. So, we've had that bond and we're only growing and building on it. Trying to get the best out of each other every game. That's what we're trying to do."
Banks said Marshall is a "generational talent." Marshall holds 24 offers, including Texas A&M, Alabama, USC and Arizona State.
"That's my guy," Banks said. "If I can get the ball in his hands, I know he'll make plays. He's the kind of athlete where if he puts the work in to any sport, he'll do it, and do it well. It is what it is with Chris."
Marshall is only in his second year of playing receiver. Last year, he was a breakout sensation with 1,008 yards and 17 touchdowns on 44 catches. He barely knew the ins and outs of the position and relied almost exclusively on transcendent athletic talent.
This season, Marshall said he's "way more comfortable."
"All the work I've put, the work no one sees … route-running and just me being able to get in and out of my breaks better," Marshall said. "Getting my hands way stronger. Finishing plays."
Banks and Marshall are two fiery competitors who try not to get too high or too low. Just compete and work hard every day. So far, they're off to a great start.
"If we can just keep working like we've been working," Banks said, "we've got something going."