Athlete Spotlight
Augusta Christian coach Bruce Lane said over the summer that finding a running back was his top priority.
Augusta Christian's Lee Banks is in the Athlete Spotlight.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
That might seem odd because Lane graduated All-State quarterback Adam McKinney and would be without a proven field general.
"I got this kid," Lane said, "and I think he's going to be pretty good."
The player Lane referred to was Lee Banks.
Banks doesn't fit the prototypical quarterback mold. He stands about 5-feet-9 inches and only weighs about 160 pounds. The Lions have to use roll-outs and bootlegs to allow Banks to see the field over his offensive line.
But it is apparent why Lane had faith in Banks.
The junior catapulted the Lions to a 2-0 start and a No. 4 ranking in their inaugural season in the South Carolina Independent Schools Association.
"He has played well for us," Lane said. "I am proud of how well he has responded thus far."
Banks responded by knocking off the defending state champs and top-ranked Colleton Prep, 28-24, in week one. His one rushing and two passing touchdowns were impressive enough to earn him SCISA Player of the Week honors.
The Lions stepped up again in week two and beat Richard Winn, 27-0.
The junior threw two interceptions but more than made up for it with 122 yards rushing.
Banks and the rest of the Augusta Christian offense hit a snag against Calhoun Academy Friday night, losing 10-7.
The Lions' offense didn't accomplish much - only 140 yards of total offense - but weren't hurt in the standings because the game was a non-classification contest.
"On tape, Banks looked like one of the top players in SCISA," Calhoun coach Adam Jarecki said. "He has tremendous speed and can be very dangerous in the option offense."
The team will look to rebound in their first region game Friday against Orangeburg Prep at home.
Banks, who could not be reached for comment, has the potential to play football at the next level according to Lane.
"He has the skills and could easily play somewhere," Lane said. "It is just a matter of if he wants to play."
Banks' brothers Robert and Dwight play football at Huntingdon College (Ala.).