CB Kajuan Banks (5-10 170) of Tallahassee announced a commitment to USC Saturday afternoon after actually making his pledge to head coach Shane Beamer earlier in the week. Banks’s commitment comes during a week when the Gamecocks lost a commitment from safety Anthony Rose of Hallandale, FL. Banks had worked his decision down to a final three of USC, Maryland and West Virginia.
USC secondary coach Torrian Gray offered Banks in January and the two have kept in regular contact ever since. That feeling of love from the Gamecocks coaches helped to sway him their way.
“Just the coaches keeping in touch and keeping a good relationship with me,” Banks said. “And they were saying that they can get me to the next level. I see myself fitting in anywhere in the defense, wherever they put me, I’ll fit there. I’ve been hearing from them a lot Ever since they offered me, they’ve been on me.”
Banks also said Gray likes how he can be a versatile player for him.
“I can play anywhere in the secondary to be honest,” Banks said. “He said I’m explosive and have a fast twitch. Versatility and speed. Speed is my game.”
Banks said the Gamecocks’ recent history of developing defensive backs played a role in his decision.
“I know they produce DBs and put them in the league,” Banks said. “Jaycee Horn, for example, how they developed him and how he went first round in the (NFL) draft. And the other corner, he went in the draft. And coach Gray, he had sent some other DBs to the league from Florida. I just put my trust in him. He stays on you and keeps it real to be honest.”
Banks is considered a safety by the analysts but can also play corner and nickel.
“They say I’m light on my feet, quick and physical,” Banks said. “And they say I can fit anywhere in the defense.”
Banks as set an official visit with the Gamecocks for June 11th and he said he has shut down his recruiting and will be a firm commitment for Beamer. He feels he’ll be joining a program that’s moving in a positive direction.
They are building the program back up,” Banks said. “The coaching staff and coach Beamer are doing a good job with recruits in building the team back up.”
In 8 games last season, Banks had 52 tackles with 8 pass deflections and 3 interceptions. He’s a three-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite and is ranked the #44 safety nationally in his class.
Banks returns the Gamecocks’ 2022 class to four high school commitments.
- GRAYSON MAINS OT 6-5 265 SUWANEE, GA
- BRADEN DAVIS QB 6-5 185 MIDDLETOWN, DE
- DONOVAN WESTMORELAND LB 6-2 195 GRIFFIN, GA
- KAJUAN BANKS CB 5-10 170 TALLAHASSEE
