HOUSTON – Shad Banks Jr. is on the cusp of achieving an NFL vision he set a long time ago.
The former North Shore standout wide receiver and TCU linebacker works out for the hometown Texans on Thursday at their local prospect day, per a league source.
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Banks excelled in the East-West Shrine Bowl all-star game and as a starter for UTSA after transferring. He made several tackles and prevented a touchdown with a clutch pass deflection in the red zone.
He met with the Texans at his Pro Day along with the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. He also played in the Hula Bowl and American Bowl.
“Good experiences,” Banks told KPRC 2 in a telephone interview. “It was good being around NFL coaches. I went out there and played hard. I’m a playmaker. I’m always around the ball and trying to get to the ball. I’m a leader. I lead by example. I love the game. I’m passionate about the game. I hate losing.”
At UTSA, he made an immediate impact with a team-high 94 tackles, 7 1/2 for losses, two sacks, three interceptions, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. He was named to the all-conference team as he started every game. He returned an interception for a touchdown and recorded a fumble against East Carolina and was named conference defensive player of the week.
He returned a fumble 41 yards for a touchdown and forced a fumble in a 61-13 rout of Rice.
Although Banks didn’t get an invitation to the NFL scouting combine, he did well at a widely-attended Pro Day with a 4.63 in the 40-yard dash , a 32-inch vertical leap and excelled in drills. Banks trains with elite trainer Justin Allen at All-En Performance.
“Everybody at UTSA is a great person,” said Banks, who is represented by Legend Agency. “The coaches want what’s best for you. Going there, I felt like a kid when I first started playing again. They just wanted me to get better and have fun.”
At North Shore, Banks had 17 touchdowns and 1,312 receiving yards as a sophomore on a state championship squad. He chose Texas A&M over Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas before transferring to TCU and intercepting one pass.
“I committed pretty early and didn’t have official visits because of pandemic,” Banks said. “Once I got there, I realized I could succeed somewhere else not at receiver. It wasn’t screens and posts. I had to run more routes. They changed my position. They wanted me to play more running back. I thought I was better at linebacker.
“I only lost three games in high school,” Banks said. “High school just made me a real competitor. I hate losing more than I like winning. We won so much there. They taught me how to compete no matter what.”
In the Big 12 championship game, he had a career-high 10 tackles against Kansas State. He finished 2023 with 62 tackles, 8 1/2 for losses, one sack and a forced fumble. After being limited to four games due to an injury, he entered the transfer portal.
“At TCU, I got my labrum repaired and then the defensive coordinator got fired after my surgery and we had a whole new defensive staff,” Banks said. “I was supposed to work my way back in. It never happened. Unfortunately, I got a concussion. They had changed my position to H-back. That’s why I entered the portal again.”
In San Antonio, Banks became a starting middle linebacker and captain of the defense.
“Loved playing there,” Banks said. “It went pretty smooth.”
North Shore has produced several NFL players, including K’Lavon Chaisson, Upton Stout and Zach Evans. Banks was a first-team all-state and Offensive MVP as a senior.
“It’s a great tradition,” Banks said. “A ton of my friends have made it to the NFL. Can’t wait to get my shot.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com