The Tiger-Cats announced on Thursday that the team has signed elusive kick returner / receiver Brandon Banks to a new contract that will keep him in black and gold through the 2017 season. Banks was slated to become a free agent on February 10.
In recognition of Brandon Banks re-signing with the Ticats, Ticats.ca has gone back to highlight some of the most exciting plays produced by Speedy B since landing in Hamilton on September 30, 2013.
Banks sweeps 45 yards for first CFL TD:
With the 2013 season winding down, the Tiger-Cats looked to secure a home playoff date vs. the Montreal Alouettes. Early in the fourth quarter, the Tiger-Cats trailed the Als 23-10 but the team’s fate was not defeated as CFL rookie Brandon Banks ripped off a 45-yard run on a jet sweep from then situational quarterback Jeremiah Masoli to subdue the ‘Cats 13-point defecit to just six.
Banks returns 105-yard field goal:
With the elements and wind conditions continuously varying throughout the Ticats week 18 matchup vs. the Montreal Alouettes at the University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium, the Tiger-Cats defence held strong forcing the Montreal Alouettes to kick a field goal into swilring winds. Sean Whyte’s 42-yard field goal attempt fell short and into the basketed hands of Brandon Banks, who saw a seam up field and transformed into the man we know as ‘Speedy B’…
Banks walks the tightrope:
It was a warm July afternoon and the Tiger-Cats had officially returned to Hamilton for the first time in 637 days to host the expansion Ottawa REDBLACKS at McMaster’s Ron Joyce Stadium. The Ticats burst right out the gate feeding Banks a shovel pass in a motion across the formation, allowing him to hit the edge and walk the white line 42-yards for the major. Banks’ touchdown came just one minute into the first quarter.
Banks takes it to the BANKS in BC:
B.C Lions punter Ricky Schmitt skied a punt deep into Ticats territory midway through the second quarter of their week eight matchup. Being threatened by great punt coverage, Brandon Banks retrieved the punt and quickly makes the first defender miss. After slightly gathering his momentum, Banks adjusts to swiftly make another defender miss finding himself a cutback lane. From there it was off to the races…
Banks seals the Eskimos:
In the first night game at Tim Hortons Field, the Ticats held a 17-16 lead over the Edmonton Eskimos with just over two minutes remaining in the game. On a greatly designed screen play, Banks caught a quick pass from quarterback Zach Collaros and was sprung loose by great blocks from receivers Bakari Grant, Luke Tasker, Greg Ellingson and fulleback C.O Prime to put the game on ice.
Banks fakes out the REDBLACKS in the Capital:
Following a REDBLACKS score midway through the second quarter Brandon Banks patiently await the ensuing kickoff. Banks hauling in the kick headed in the direction of fellow returner Terrell Sinfield, who was pacing his direction in attempt to setup a reverse return. Banks quickly faked the exchange and raced 103 yards for his second score of the night.
Ticats X-Factor find the endzone before the half:
After having a previous punt return negated due to an illegal block, Brandon Banks sat back in Ticats territory awaiting a punt from Als Sean Whyte with less than a minute left in the first half of the Eastern Final. Banks weaved his way through Alouttes defenders to find a seam and a squad of blockers to lead his way to the endzone to give the Ticats a 20-13 lead heading into recess.
Banks strikes AGAIN:
Up 30-24 with just over four minutes remaining in the Eastern Final, the Alouettes are forced to punt after going two-and-out. Banks tracks down Sean Whyte’s punt but finds himself caught in traffic and….
Ticats claw back:
After a slow start by the Ticats in the 102nd Grey Cup, the Ticats found themselves clawing their way back into the game. Ticats running back Nic Grigsby scampered for a first down putting the team on the Stampeders 45-yard line. On the following play, Ticats QB Zach Collaros drops from out of shotgun to deliever air mail to who else but a wide-open Speedy B.
