Will Antonio Banks Redshirt?

Antonio Banks could be back in Ohio enjoying his last days as a high school senior. Instead, he graduated early so he could enroll at IU this spring to get a head start on his college football career. By enrolling early he will likely a leg up on the incoming freshman running backs this summer and will be more adjusted to the life of a student athlete playing division 1 football. It has been Coach Lynch's philosophy, the past couple of years, to redshirt as many freshman as possible to allow more players time to develop in the weight room and on the field .

With Darius Willis and Zach Davis-Walker hurt this spring Antonio has seen more reps than he would have otherwise. He has done a good job showing off his power running ability and he has been one of the better performers throughout the spring. When the fall rolls around, Darius Willis figures to be back as the starter and Trea Burgess will likely be the 3rd down back. Nick Turner probably has a slight edge over Banks because he has had a year to get acclimated with the offense and has also had a good spring showing off his blazing speed. Antonio will be one of the many backs competing for the backup spot but don't rule him out yet to be a redshirt. If he continues to improve the way he has so far this spring he will likely increase the competition for the backup running back spot. If he does end up redshirting then so be it, it will still have many benefits to him and the Hoosiers down the road. However, if a running back goes down with an injury during the season he could be one of the backs asked to step up.