Fort Bend Marshall's Banks' 'skill set, work ethic' already turning heads this season

Already considered one of the top Class 5A players in the state, Fort Bend Marshall junior quarterback Ja'Koby Banks is turning even more heads early in the season.

Over the first month of the season, Banks has passed for 335 yards and seven touchdowns, while running for 269 yards and another three scores, all against just two interceptions.

“Ja'Koby Banks’ skill set matched by work ethic is what you want in a QB," the school recently posted on its Twitter page.

Coach James Williams is quick to point out Banks has plenty of help on a team that returns 13 starters from last year’s 12-1 regional semifinalist. Williams’ adds he thinks the strengths of the team are the offensive and defensive lines.

On offense, Banks has the dynamic duo of Chris Marshall, who bagged 44 catches, 17 touchdowns and 1,008 receiving yards last year in his first season of playing football, and Jaydon Johnson to choose from. In the backfield, the trio of Aaron McCowen, Jy-Adrian Wortham and Rundrick Dudley combine for just over 1,900 yards rushing.  

“We feel good about the season,” Williams told the Houston Chronicle. “Our culture now is that the kids are hungry to win. We’re determined to get it done.”

The 6-4 Marshall, who draws comparisons to Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and was tabbed offensive player of the year last season, is already being recruited by the likes of Texas A&M, Alabama and USC.  

"Comin' different this year," he recently tweeted.

Williams and the Buffs come into the season having earned three straight regional final berths, a stretch that includes outscoring opponents 654-99, including 501-20 over eight district opponents, in 2020.