December 4th 2024.
In a surprising turn of events, the CSU Rams are in search of a new defensive coordinator. According to multiple sources, Freddie Banks, who has held the position for the past few years, will be leaving the program. While a representative from CSU declined to comment on the situation, sources close to the football program have confirmed Banks' departure.
Banks, who is 36 years old, joined CSU coach Jay Norvell's staff in 2022. During his time with the Rams, the team's defensive numbers have shown significant improvement each year. In fact, this past season, the veteran defensive corps held strong and finished fourth in the Mountain West in points allowed per game and eighth in yards allowed per tilt. With impressive stats like that, it's no wonder Banks has become a highly sought-after coach in the college football world.
Despite the team's successes, some coaches are worried about the impact of Banks' departure. This is especially true for Colorado prep football players, who were not represented in CSU's early 2024 National Signing Day haul. However, the Rams' early 2025 National Signing Day class seems to have made up for it, as they have secured some promising young talent.
When it comes to the team's performance, it's clear that Banks' defense played a crucial role. They held four of their six league opponents to 21 points or less, including rivals Wyoming and Air Force. The only blemishes on their record were two early-season losses to ranked teams, Texas and CU, where they allowed a combined 80 points. Nevertheless, the unit still managed to tie for third in the Mountain West in turnover margin per game and takeaways.
Before joining CSU, Banks spent a season as the cornerbacks coach at Nevada under Norvell. The two have clearly developed a strong working relationship, as Banks followed Norvell to Fort Collins after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at Montana State. During his time with the Bobcats, they allowed an impressive 15.0 points per game and even made it to the FCS national championship game.
It's clear that Banks' departure will leave a void in the CSU football program. However, with the talent and experience of Coach Norvell and the rest of the coaching staff, it's likely that they will find a suitable replacement. And if their recent recruits are any indication, the Rams will continue to thrive on the field. For more sports news and analysis on Denver's teams, be sure to sign up for the Sports Omelette.
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