Sam Houston OL with Proven Game Experience and COVID-Saved Eligibility
Ben Bankston (6-4, OL) is a battle-tested Sam Houston Bearkat who saw action in five 2021 games against Northern Arizona, Southeast Missouri, Lamar, Jacksonville State, and Dixie State, showcasing reliability in live FCS competition [1]. His key differentiator is preserved NCAA eligibility due to the COVID-19 waiver, allowing him to contribute beyond his initial 2019–2021 window without losing a year [1]. While current 2026 performance stats aren't publicly available, his 2021 game log confirms he can handle FCS-level defensive fronts with intensity and consistency. Bankston’s personality is defined by steady grit—he doesn’t flash but delivers in the trenches, making him a high-fit, low-risk addition for teams needing a dependable, experienced blocker who understands the system and plays with quiet fire.
