Top OL Banks impressed with virtual Arkansas visit

Sam Pittman faced what many considered the toughest college football schedule in the nation in his first season with Arkansas. The 2021 schedule is not much easier, if at all. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)

— Arkansas made a solid impression Saturday on one of nation’s best offensive linemen.

Houston Summer Creek junior 4-star standout Kelvin Banks, Jr., (6-5, 300 pounds) was one of several high school prospects who the Razorbacks entertained on virtual visits. Banks is ranked 36th nationally and as the fourth-best offensive lineman in the 247Sports composite rankings.

“The visit was great I loved everything about Arkansas and what they had to offer,” Banks said. “(It) is for sure a place I would want to be.”

A chat with Arkansas coach Sam Pittman was among the highlights for Banks, who committed to Oklahoma State in September 2019, but reopened his recruitment the following July.

“Everything stood out,” Banks said of Arkansas. “I love the facility, the academics and I had a great talk with Coach Pittman.”

Banks has a top-14 schools of Arkansas, Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oregon, Houston, Arizona State and Utah.

Banks has committed to play in the 2022 Under Armour All-American Game.

“I just (want) to be a part of something that means more than football,” said Banks, who was offered by Arkansas on July 22.

Banks, who describes himself as 100% open and with no timetable to make a decision, sized up his development.

“Strengths I believe (are) my pass blocking and me being able to pull,” Banks said. “Thing I need to work on more is staying low while run blocking.”